Lucart S.p.A. acquires a British manufacturer of tissue products
The European company acquired a tissue paper manufacturer to increase its presence in the UK.
Lucart S.p.A, an Italian producer of machine glazed (MG) paper and products, has acquired a British manufacturer of tissue paper products to grow its presence in the UK. The intention of the company is to increase the production of toilet paper, rolls and hand towels, kitchen paper and napkins for its main clients: hospitals, schools, hotels, and restaurants.
Lucart S.p.A., part of the Lucart Group based in the Italian city of Lucca, has acquired Essential Supply Products Ltd in Worcester. The acquisition takes effect in March 2021 for an undisclosed sum.
This agreement forms an important part of its development and internationalization plan and consolidates its position as a leading player in the European market for “Away from Home” hygiene products.
Massimo Pasquini, CEO of Lucart, said the agreement is an important step for the future development of the Lucart Group. “Essential Supply Products’ position, market and product range bring important synergies to other parts of the Lucart Group and as the UK is the second largest market for tissue paper products, this strategic acquisition will allow us to grow our presence in Great Britain,” he said. “We have overcome the uncertainties generated by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. Completing this important further step for the future development of the Lucart Group.”
“We have done deals over the years to enable us to compete at the highest level. However, the standard of investment required to make my ambitions for this company a reality needed an investor who shared our values and desire to grow the company sustainably and to its full potential”, added Carl Theakston, Founder of Essential Supply Products. “Lucart is a multinational family business that has been operating for almost 70 years. His history, vision and commitment to sustainable development make him the ideal investor to ensure that the Essential Supply Products adventure continues now and for the long term.
The relationship between Lucart and ESP dates back more than ten years, as some of the paper processed at the Malvern site comes from Lucart’s factories.
ABOUT LUCART
Founded in 1953 by the Pasquini family in Italy, Lucart operates in the Business to Business, away from home and consumer markets. The company employs 1,600 people in nine production plants (five in Italy, two in Spain and one in France and Hungary) and has a logistics center in Italy.
Lucart produces more than 395,000 tons of paper per year, from 12 paper machines and the Group’s turnover exceeds 500 million euros. Since 2018, Lucart has been a member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international organization that guides the transition to the circular economy that aims to eliminate waste and the continuous use of resources.
ABOUT ESSENTIAL SUPPLY PRODUCTS
Founded in 1990, Essential Supply Products manufactures toilet paper, core feeds, hand towels and rolls, industrial floor stands and hygiene rolls for the cleaning, hotel, restaurant, facility management, catering, industrial and healthcare industries. It employs 85 people on five processing lines at its 77,000 square meter manufacturing facility and has a turnover of £ 26 million.
