Denmaur Independent Papers is buying Vision Paper and Board along with assets and the business of the fine paper and conversion division of Middleton Paper Company, its first acquisition since Harry Gould bought Denmaur in 2019.
The deal adds a conversion facility equipped with Passaban sheeters alongside the M6 in Walsall. This has a warehouse capable of holding 10,000 tonnes. Denmaur thus has a warehouse in the West Midlands to mirror the existing facility at Bardon in the East Midlands.
The conversion facility is additional to Denmaur’s services and will enhance the offering to carton printers in particular, where specification of bespoke sizes is not uncommon. Denmaur managing director Nick Gee says: “We have worked with Middleton for many years and recognise the quality of the conversion services they offer, it is a perfect fit that will enable us to provide a further enhanced service package to both our and their customer base.”
Middleton began as a supplier of cut papers to use as chip wrappings for fast food outlets in the West Midlands. This expanded in two directions: one into a full scale paper converting and merchanting business and the second into a sophisticated food services business. Denmaur is not buying this part of Middleton.
“We are acquiring an ongoing and profitable operation in Vision Paper and, although a slightly different business model, the combined strengths and differences of the two companies will generate added value and a unique opportunity for the UK paper and board market going forward,” says Gould.
While there is some overlap in terms of customers and papers, this is relatively little.
However, there will be consolidation between the ranges offered, there being little point in holding stocks of different brands of mid market coated woodfree sheets, for example. On the other hand the combined coverage will be greater than each could offer as separate businesses. “It’s a very good fit for both businesses,” says marketing director Danny Doogan. “The options it can bring can make us a lot more future proof.”
There are potential savings in terms of holding and maintaining FSC and other certifications, and Denmaur will look for these, though not at the expense of changes to customer service. “We have to ensure that throughput the integration process, customers are not disrupted.
Likewise the Vision Paper brand will continue on marketing communications and invoices. The pricing structure and core brands will remain for the foreseeable future at least. And customers of both businesses will benefit from expanded range of grades that are held across the combined business.
Middleton Paper managing director Jason Middleton says: “Having led the team of dedicated people who have grown our Fine Paper and Conversion Division for over 35 years, I am excited to see the progress we will make during the next phase of this operation’s development.”
Denmaur CEO Mike Gee adds: “This takes me back to my roots, before we started Denmaur, when I worked alongside Jean Stanley at M6 Paper who were then a very successful merchanting and conversion company. Jean is now part of the Denmaur team and will no doubt share our excitement of sales and conversion coming together again.
