Official Release from Maccaferri on Linear Acquisition

The Maccaferri Group, headquartered in Bologna, Italy, has announced the acquisition of Yorkshire-based Linear Composites Ltd and sister company Epitropic Fibres Ltd. The purchase, a key element in Maccaferri’s global diversification strategy, was completed on 1 June 2006.
The addition of the two companies further strengthens Maccaferri’s position as a leading company in the provision of advanced solutions in the field of civil engineering, adding to its already extensive portfolio of high quality products.
Linear Composites, a manufacturer of geosynthetics and fibre reinforced products used in civil engineering, industrial and military applications, was formerly owned by JWH Group Ltd. The company acquired Epitropic Fibres in 2002 and manufactures the anti-static polyester material alongside its own geosynthetic materials. Epitropic Fibres products are used in the manufacture of dry filtration media and other niche markets where anti-static properties are required.
Commenting on the acquisition, new Executive Director at Linear Composites and Epitropic Fibres and Director, International Business Development and Strategic Marketing at Maccaferri, Marco Finelli said: “We have had a worldwide distribution agreement with Linear Composites since 1996 and are very familiar with the product range. The Maccaferri Group is already successfully marketing Linear Composites geogrids alongside its own geosynthetic products for civil engineering applications and the acquisition will open up new markets for us in the military, transportation and mining industries.”
“We will be able to extend Maccaferri Group’s position as a global leader in the field of civil engineering and exploit new opportunities in the industrial sector, strengthening our position in niche markets and exploring new markets with significant growth potential.”
Linear Composites, originally an ICI company has been owned by JWH Group since 1989. With an average turnover of £4.5 million (pounds sterling) in the last five years, the company employs 22 in production and 10 administrative staff at its headquarters in Keighley, W Yorkshire with a subsidiary office in the USA. In addition to Paragrid, Paralink and Paradrain for civil engineering applications, the company also manufactures Parafil synthetic ropes and cables, Paraweb high strength synthetic webbing and Pararib wall lining material for the mining industry.
Commercial Manager at Linear Composites, Andrew Whittam believes that the acquisition will create real opportunities for growth: “For existing customers it will be ‘business as usual’. We are keeping our company identity and familiar trade marks but are now part of a much larger organisation with ambitious plans for growth. With investment from Maccaferri we will be able to focus on expansion and tap into new global markets for our products.”
The coming months will see a smooth transition towards the successful integration of Linear Composites into the Maccaferri Group. Maximising the potential synergies between the two companies will ensure steady market development, strong financial results and secure future growth.