Pictured above: Gary Hyem of M3 Corporate Finance
The Oxalis Group, the Warwickshire based protection equipment
manufacturer, has continued its expansion trail with the
acquisition of the UK, Italian & Singapore businesses of Video
Marine International, the specialist CCTV producer for hazardous
environments in a deal originated and advised by Birmingham based
M3 Corporate Finance.
The Oxalis Group, formed by Rob Whorrod after the sale of his
previous business, Walsall Limited, develops and manufactures
products and systems used to protect people, processes and the
environment. The Video Marine acquisition follows that in December
of Litesafe which manufactures portable, rechargeable floodlighting
units and emergency lighting systems and LineGlow, acquired in
February this year, which manufactures flexible LED lighting
solutions. These three acquisitions complement the Smith
& Prince (now Oxalis Lighting) hazardous lighting business
already owned by Oxalis.
Oxalis offers a wealth of experience in the supply of products,
systems and services for explosion protection; wherever there are
explosive gas-air mixtures or dusts, its solutions prevent
explosions and help to ensure the safety of personnel, processes,
assets & the environment.
Video Marine specialises in the design and manufacture of high
quality CCTV solutions for a wide variety of marine based
industries focussing on hazardous environments. Video Marine has
considerable experience in supplying systems for the oil and gas
industry all around the world. The facility in Italy is responsible
for the manufacture of all stainless steel components from which
the products and systems are built in the UK. The UK is also
responsible for turnkey and system projects whilst Singapore
consists of a sales and technical support office.
Rob Whorrod, CEO of Oxalis, said: "I'm delighted to incorporate
the Video Marine International business within the Oxalis Group.
With it comes an extremely high quality front end CCTV package with
multiple approvals and a wealth of experience in the design and
supply of both standard and bespoke explosion proof monitoring
systems."
Lead advisers M3 Corporate Finance, sourced the opportunity,
assisted with negotiations and, advised on the deal structure as
part of a lead advisory service.
Gary Hyem of M3 Corporate Finance, said: "We are delighted to
have worked yet again with Rob as he continues to build his group.
This acquisition continues the focus of acquiring and developing
businesses that are involved in providing safety related products
for hazardous or explosive environments. With businesses in Italy
and Singapore as well as the UK, the deal wasn't without its
challenges but the strategic fit meant the obstacles were worth
overcoming."
Richard Underwood and Emma Bryant of Martineau in Birmingham
provided legal advice to Oxalis.