Blackburn lighting firm Tyson completes MBO

Lancashire-based Tyson Lighting, a third generation family firm is now under the control of management.

Managing director, Andrew Gibson successfully purchased the remaining shares from the previous owners, Philip, Carol and John Gibson. Philip Gibson will remain on as group Chairman.

With over 50 years’ experience in the lighting industry and a £3 million turnover, Tyson Lighting specialises in the design, manufacture, supply and project management of traditional, bespoke and contemporary lighting.

Last year it supplied 1,200 lighting projects to customers in the retail, hotel and leisure sectors both in the UK and internationally.

Clients include the recent design and lighting specification for Harvey’s Furniture Store, new lighting for the Pizza Hut chain nationwide and some prestigious projects for Greene King, Novus Leisure (including The Windmill Boutique Hotel on Clapham Common), Chiquito, KFC and lighting for TGI Fridays’ restaurants globally.

Tyson Lighting will continue to operate from its existing 20,000 sq. ft. production and warehouse facility in Blackburn. In the past year, it has increased staff numbers, scaled up production facilities and invested in new IT systems.

The new management team headed up by Andrew Gibson plans to build on previous successes of the business. International growth in territories including Asia and Europe is expected in 2014 and the company has recently taken on a sales agent based out of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and is partnering with a Saignon-based architect to assist with the development of their market in Asia.

In addition, the company has recently agreed exclusive contracts with international brands from prominent design locations around the world, including Canadian brand VISO and Italian brands ROTALIANA and LUCEPLAN; as well as showcasing some of its new bespoke ‘Made in Britain’ lighting designs in a gallery space in Quay House in Spinningfields Manchester.

Andrew Gibson said: “At Tyson Lighting, we are known for supplying an excellent product at a fair price. We remain focussed on our customers, ensuring we deliver the very best from initial concept right through to continuity of supply.”

“We’re nimble enough in size to move with fashion and trends; whilst simultaneously anticipating client and market demand both in the UK and internationally.

“We are working hard to secure long term partnerships with specifiers and clients who we know rely on us to be a well-educated and efficient authority in lighting.”

The Blackburn office of Farleys Solicitors LLP provided legal advice, with Corporate Partner Debbie King handling the contracts. Egan Roberts of Blackburn handled the financial side of the deal, led personally by Principal Keith Roberts.

Keith Roberts, principal of Egan Roberts says, “We are delighted to have been able to support Andrew and the team in seeing this transaction through to a successful conclusion.

“Having worked with the Gibson family for many years, we look forward to watching the business develop still further during this next exciting phase of its growth.”

Debbie King, corporate partner of Farleys Solicitors said “We were happy to be involved and to help Andrew and the team draw up the necessary documentation to transfer this successful family business onto the next generation.

“We wish the company continued success under his leadership”

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