Beer fonts firm sold to Danish group

A Chorley-based manufacturer of draught beer fonts has been acquired by Valpar Micro Matic, giving its products a global audience.

Porter Lancastrian, founded in 1936, produces draught beer fonts, tap handles and lenses and allows customers to add their own artwork. It has become one of the leading companies of its kind in the UK.

It operates its own manufacturing facility with in-house design, engineering and sales functions, and employs a total workforce of 40.

Micro Matic is based in Accrington and is ultimately owned by a global group based in Odense, Denmark. Micro Matic also specialises in custom-designed draught beer fonts.

In addition to strengthening its position in the important UK market, the acquisition makes it possible to sell Porter Lancastrian’s products outside the UK through Micro Matic’s global sales network.

Andrew Brown, managing director of Porter Lancastrian, will continue in his role of managing the day-to-day business of the company after the acquisition.

He said: "By becoming part of Micro Matic we can achieve positive synergies in our home market, and at the same time we get access to valuable knowledge and know-how, not least through Micro Matic’s global sales organisation."

John O’Neill, managing director of Valpar Micro Matic, added: "Porter Lancastrian is a proficient enterprise with a long history, competent employees and visionary management. We do not often find a company that complements our own business so well."

Beever and Struthers, led by corporate finance director Dean Curtis, advised on the share sale with support from corporate finance manager Patrick Wilson and tax partner Will Campbell.

Dean Curtis said: “The transaction highlights the continued interest from international businesses looking to enter or strengthen their position in the UK market. I am confident that the company will be able to achieve the next stages of its growth strategy, and further enhance its position as a high-quality North-West business operating in the UK and internationally”.

Legal advice for the sellers was provided by a team led by Benjamin Dredge, managing partner at CG Professional with support from colleagues Samantha Pickover and Rory Manning.

Valpar Micro Matics Ltd was represented by Penningtons Manches Cooper (legal) and ASM Chartered Accountants (financial and tax due diligence).