The trade and assets of UK-based Porvair International Ltd and Porvair Ceramics Ltd have been bought by its management in a deal worth £6.75m.

The incumbent Managing Directors, Alistair Tait and Mark Littlewood, concluded the MBO of the Kings Lynn based companies from Porvair Plc following a recent refocusing of the parent company on its other core areas, including Filtration and Fuel Cell Technologies.  Porvair International produces polyurethane membranes with brands including Permair, Porelle and Seal Skinz, whilst Porvair Ceramics is a leader in the development, manufacture and supply of leading materials and technology to the ceramics industry. Following the MBO, the combined business will generate turnover in excess of £20m and safeguard an estimated 250 jobs in the Kings Lynn area.

The buyout coincides with a major contract from Thistle Garments of Cumbernauld, Scotland, for Porvair International to supply waterproof, breathable fabrics for a five year Ministry of Defence (MOD) project.  Worth up to £12 million, the contract will see Porvair supply fabric for 660,000 waterproof, breathable garments, ranging from jackets and trousers to salopettes and sleeping bag covers. The contract is expected to save the MOD at least £5 million compared to traditional procurement methods. Porvair's waterproof, breathable membrane technology is said to be critical to meeting the performance requirements of garments of this kind.

Share this story: