All jobs saved as Walkerbridge buys Mercer & Sons

Mercer & Sons has completed a sale to Walkerbridge Limited, part of the Walker Steel group, in a transaction that secures the jobs of all the staff at this Blackburn business which dates back more than 175 years through five generations of family control.

Bill Haggas, formerly managing director of Mercers, said: “We are delighted to have completed a sale of the company which sees this marvellous business pass to new owners. All of the jobs have been secured and we hope that the business will go from success to success under its new ownership. I would like to express my thanks to all of the staff for their patience whilst this transaction was carried out.”

The Company was advised throughout the sales process and in its dealings with customers and suppliers by David Thornhill, partner at FRP Advisory, the business advisory firm, with Tim Mills of PM&M, accountants in Blackburn providing accounting and tax advice. Legal advice to the Company was provided by Pauline Rigby of Forbes solicitors whilst Richard Robinson of Napthens advised the purchaser. David Thornhill, partner at FRP Advisory, who led the financial advice for Mercers, said: “We are delighted to have been able to work with Mr Haggas and his family on this transaction and I would like to express my thanks to the company’s loyal staff and suppliers and everyone else involved in the transaction for their help and support throughout to help maintain a smooth process and the best possible outcome for all involved. We are particularly pleased that such an established, generations-old and well thought of company such as Mercer & Sons Limited, will continue to provide excellent service to its many customers for, hopefully, another 175 years.”