Picture courtesy of StaffordshireSentinel News & Media
Dudson secures buyout deal
15 July 2009
Dudson has expanded its international business portfolio through a major investment in an historic French firm.
The company has acquired French ceramics manufacturer Sarreguemines Vaisselle to strengthen its position as a world leading specialist in the manufacture and supply of ceramic tableware for the international hospitality industry.
The acquisition marks Dudson's growing interest in the European vitro-porcelain market which complements its range of high quality ware produced at two state-of-the-art factories in Stoke-on-Trent.
This is Dudson's second international acquisition, having bought the flatware division of US Company Myco Tableware in 2007.
Sarreguemines Vaisselle has a turnover of 9 million euros and employs 135 people at its high-tech factory base in Digoin, near Lyons and its Paris sales office. The principal market for sales of its vitro-porcelain ware is the French catering and hospitality industry where it trades under the 'Sarreguemines' and 'Pyroblan' trademarks.
Ian Dudson, the Dudson Group Chairman said: "We are extremely excited by this acquisition which broadens our product portfolio and further strengthens our global presence in this specialised hospitality marketplace.
"This well-established company is renowned in France for its technical and manufacturing innovation. Dudson is an ambitious company and the acquisition of Sarreguemines will contribute significantly to our strategic objectives."
Max Dudson, Chief Executive added: "This acquisition clearly demonstrates our commitment to the pottery industry and a bright future for our organisation. It increases our critical mass with a significant market presence in France. It will strengthen our platform for sales in Europe and add opportunities for our various sales organisations and partnerships around the world.
"Our business plan for the integration of Sarreguemines into the existing group will include further investment, particularly in the area of sales and marketing. It will help safeguard all our existing manufacturing in the UK with the complementary nature of the production in France and it reinforces our belief and commitment to having ceramic manufacturing under our own ownership and control.
"Our commitment to this industry has never been greater. We have invested more than £7 million in creating an efficient, modern facility in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent over the past few years and believe this further investment will ensure we move forward and become an even stronger force within the industry."
Sarreguemines Vaisselle was founded in 1870 and was previously part of the French Ceramics Group operating under the public holding company known as 'FSDV'.
The Digoin factory is located between the prosperous region of Lyons and the coal fields of Saône et Loire. Its well known "Pyroblan" vitreous china was first produced in 1968.
The manufacturing operation has received significant capital investment over recent years and is an automated and highly efficient facility for the production of specialised ceramic hotel tableware.