Member Article

Bradford-based The Label Makers acquired by Spanish printing group

The Label Makers, a specialist label manufacturer based in Bradford, UK, has been sold to Spanish printing group Printeos.

Founded by John Webster in 1963, The Label Makers has been run by his son, David Webster, since 1989. It specialises in premium quality and highly technical labels for the wine and spirit market, particularly gin and whisky.

Headquartered in Spain, Printeos has factories in France, Spain, Portugal, Poland and the Czech Republic.

Following the sale, David Webster will continue as strategic consultant for the UK printer and Printeos Group. Zenna Parfaniuk, current commercial director, has been appointed as managing director.

David Webster commented: “It was essential to find a partner who shared the same philosophy and who could take the business forward, and Printeos was the perfect choice.”

Printeos CEO Ignacio Reirís said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by David as the preferred partner to continue developing the company he has built. We could not have chosen a better way to enter the UK label market because of the high quality of The Label Makers’ team, its equipment and its client portfolio.

“We very much look forward to working with all the members of The Label Makers for the common goal of boosting its development. The Label Makers will retain its management team and its unique brand identity, as well as its investment capability for best adapting to servicing its customers’ needs, in line with the operational autonomy common in the Printeos group.”

The Label Makers’ shareholders were advised by Matt Scott, Hamish Morrison and Juel Chowdury from BHP Corporate Finance, who worked closely with their international colleagues within Translink Corporate Finance. Sarah Harrison and Jonathan Simms of Leeds-based Clarion acted as legal advisers.

Matt Scott, who led the BHP team, commented: “It has been a pleasure to advise David Webster and The Label Makers team to deliver this significant transaction, and Translink Corporate Finance played a piviotal role in identifying and engaging with Printeos.

“As one of the UK’s most reputable manufacturers of premium labels, the sale of this business attracted significant domestic and international interest, despite the challenges imposed by Covid-19. This strategic acquisition provides a platform for Printeos to the enter the UK label market and is another example of the high level of consolidation within the sector.”

Sarah Harrison of Clarion added: “It’s great to see a Yorkshire company with a history of almost 60 years embarking on the next stage in its development. We wish the team every success as part of the Printeos group.”

Printeos was advised by Socios Financieros, Grant Thornton and Raworths.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Emma Kilmurray .