Firestop Acquisition

BSN are pleased to announce the sale of longstanding client Firestop Manufacturing Ltd to Athmer oHG.

Athmer oHG is a 10th generation 300 year old German business exporting to 40+ countries with sales offices in India, UAE, China and the far East. They were looking to expand with the acquisition of a quality UK-based intumescent seal manufacturer able to service these markets, with Firestop providing the perfect target.

 Keith and David Sutcliffe felt it was a great time to sell due to the significant increase in sales and the opportunity to broaden the products and services being offered. The company viewed Athmer as ideal buyers: “They will build on the 30-year history of Firestop as well as keeping manufacturing in Dorchester and continuing to employ our loyal staff.”

David Sutcliffe will remain in the business as Managing Director, helping to integrate the two businesses and widen the geographical and service offerings of the Firestop brand. Keith Sutcliffe is looking forward to his ‘semi-retirement’ and working closer to home with sister company Vanquish Hardware Ltd.

“Selling the business you founded and grew for 30 years is quite an emotional task. But without doubt we have been expertly guided by BSN acting on our behalf both selling the business as well as being our accountants. I really would recommend using BSN to sell any entrepreneur’s family business. It has worked brilliantly and Pippa’s experience in the M&A field along with her and the team’s hard work has made the process so much easier. We have also been brilliantly supported by Hayley at Coffin Mew who has worked so well with BSN to make this deal work, a dream team!”

We wish the best of luck to all at Firestop and Athmer for the future.