Essex-based Collins Youldon Ltd was a manufacturer of hose reels, cable drums and related products with a strong family heritage. The company’s client base included both the fire and vehicle tanker industries.
After many years, the owner of Collins Youldon wanted to embrace a change of lifestyle, and enjoy slower pace of life. As the company had been passed down over three generations, the decision to sell carried strong emotional significance; he was keen to sell the business for a high price whilst also ensuring the survival and continue success of the Collins Youldon brand.
Once instructed by the vendor, Avondale undertook extensive market research for a suitable buyer. Collins Youldon had become a UK leader in its niche market, and had an extensive sales network in Europe with 40% of revenues generated through exports. As such, Avondale focused its research efforts on finding a buyer that would be able expand the business on an international as well as a domestic level.
Avondale’s market research identified a suitable purchaser: Asfare Group Plc, a specialist supplier of products and services to the Emergency and Security industries. With extensive resources and economies of scale, it placed Asfare in a strong position to grow the previously family-owned business and expand its reach internationally.