AG has advised Mergon Group, an Ireland-headquartered global leader in plastics manufacturing, on its acquisition of Weltonhurst Limited, a leading UK-based supplier of technical blow moulded components.

Mergon, which has operations in Ireland, South Carolina, and the Czech Republic and supplies parts for brands including BMW, Rivian, and Xerox, has acquired Weltonhurst to expand its manufacturing capabilities and give the group a base to further develop business with UK customers.

Blackburn-based Weltonhurst has been producing plastic components for the industrial, healthcare and packaging sectors for over four decades, amassing an extensive client list across the UK and beyond. Its 40,000 square metre site in Lancashire boasts amongst the most advanced production facilities in Europe and is equipped with in-house automation and the manufacture of secondary automated finishing equipment.

AG had previously advised private equity firm Elysian Capital on its investment into the Mergon Group in 2019, and this deal, which marks the first acquisition by the company since then, allows Mergon to both broaden its product range and expand its global footprint.

The AG team advising on the deal was led by Paul Medlicott and Rachael Norris, supported by Thomas Rowen, Nina Goodman, Rachael Martin and Callum Campbell.

Paul Medlicott said: "This acquisition supports the ambitious plans that Mergon has to expand its reach both in terms of geographical footprint and the products it provides to clients in the UK and internationally. Having been involved since our longstanding client Elysian Capital invested in Mergon, it is fantastic to see results such as this which will be positive for all concerned."

Speaking following the announcement Pat Beirne, CEO of Mergon, said: “The acquisition of Weltonhurst represents a considerable strategic expansion of Mergon’s operations and footprint internationally. Operating in the UK will both safeguard seamless service for our UK customers following Brexit and will enhance our capabilities in large part, small volume moulding. We are excited to have the opportunity to extend our services and processes to a new host of UK customers, while also being able to rely on Weltonhurst’s world-class facilities to enhance the design and manufacturing capabilities that we can offer to our existing customers. We have ambitious plans to grow our industrial division in the areas of traffic management and packaging products, and this acquisition gives us the springboard to launch that initiative.”