SJG International acquires Kopak

The deal will allow Peter and Jane Estwick, owners of Hertfordshire-based Kopak, to prepare for retirement.

Originally founded in 1968, Kopak was acquired in 2002 by Peter, who’d worked in the rubber products sector for 25 years previously.

He and Jane have since built the business into a market-leading provider of technical products made from natural and synthetic polymers for sectors including automotive, classic automobile, heavy plant machinery, wholesale electrical and van conversion markets.

As both a supplier and customer of Kopak, SJG International and its managing director Robert James already knew the business well, and saw potential to consolidate the supply chain.

Corporate finance firm Watersheds supported Kopak in the deal.

Peter said: “Watersheds took much of the stress and anxiety off our shoulders in finding the right buyer to fit with our plans in keeping the business growing in the future while providing a synergy with any potential buyer.”

William Senior, partner at Watersheds, added: “Selling a business can be overwhelming for the owners as there are many parties to deal with.

“We were able to support and advise Peter and Jane from beginning to end and project manage the accountants and lawyers involved.

“This allowed them to focus on continuing to run the business successfully.”