Kartell UK acquires Marleton Cross Limited, trading as MX Group
Kartell UK Limited, which supplies heating and bathroom products to independent merchants and showrooms across the country, has acquired Marleton Cross Limited and its subsidiaries, trading as MX Group.
Based in Tewkesbury, MX Group is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of shower trays, employing more than 150 people between its 90,000 square foot headquarters and distribution site. The company was founded in 1974 by Chairman Bernard Robinson, who will continue in a consultancy role on its behalf.
Following the acquisition, Kartell plans to invest in the innovation and cutting-edge production methods for which MX Group is known. It will continue to operate as a standalone business within the Kartell Group under the existing management team.
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Bernard Robinson said: “We are rightly proud of the business that we and the team have developed over the last 50 years and couldn’t be more pleased to have found such a good fit in the Kartell Group as a buyer for the business.
“The future for the business is bright and we look forward to seeing it develop further and faster with support and investment from its new owners.”
The team at MX Group joins Kartell’s more than 500 staff across sites in Bedford, Wigan, Willenhall, Hull, and Leeds. The Group sees annual turnover in excess of £135 million under the brands K-RAD, K-VIT, JT, Vogue, and Summerbridge.
Kartell CEO Alex Norford said: “The MX Group is a long-established and well-respected name in the industry, with a reputation for quality and innovation in showering.
“We are proud to be taking on the business and look forward to working closely with the team at MX Group to continue Bernard’s legacy and offer our customers an improved range of product options.
“In addition, we are pleased to play our part in securing the future of the UK shower tray manufacturing industry, given the pressures the sector has been under in recent years.”
The Kartell Group was advised by lawyers from the East Midlands Corporate Finance division of FRP Advisory. This team was led by Partner Harry Walker, with legal advice from another team headed by Sophie Burke of Fladgate LLP and financial due diligence provided by Price Bailey LLP. Marleton Cross Limited received legal advice from a team from Hughes Paddison, led by Jon Rathbone.
Harry Walker said: “It is a pleasure to once again support Alex and the team at Kartell with securing a strategic acquisition. Over the last five years, we’ve watched the growth and development of the group and been pleased to play a small part in their success.
“We wish everyone at the MX Group and Kartell all the best in bringing the businesses together and are confident that they will thrive as a combined team to the benefit of all their stakeholders.”
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