Entrepreneur couples’ start-up business-buying venture acquires Wirral manufacturer

An entrepreneurial couple have made their first acquisition since setting up a venture to buy successful companies with growth potential.

Raventa, which was established earlier this year by Marta and Bill Ravenna, has paid an undisclosed sum for BMB Weatherproof Canopies, a £2.6 million turnover business based at Wallasey, Wirral.

BMB, which employs 38 staff, manufactures forklift truck cabs in steel and PVC, and boot liners for hatchback cars.

The business was established in 1989 by owner Brian Blanchfield, who will continue to work at BMB on a consultancy basis.

Marta and Bill Ravenna set up Raventa after taking some time out following the sale of ColorMatrix Group, a liquid colourants manufacturer based at Knowsley. Bill was a co-founder of the business, which was bought by US-headquartered PolyOne in 2012.

Raventa, which is based on the Woodside Business Park, Birkenhead, Wirral, plans to accelerate BMB’s growth by providing financial and management support.

Bill said: “Marta and I are delighted to have completed this transaction. Since the sale of ColorMatrix, we have been looking for an opportunity to acquire the right business. We see enormous potential in BMB and look forward to supporting its growth.”

Raventa was advised by a team at HURST Corporate Finance comprising Nigel Barratt, Lauren Roberts and Richard Higham.

Andrew Sturge and David Hayes, of law firm Turner Parkinson, provided legal advice to Raventa.

Ilan Elfassy, of mergers and acquisitions adviser BCMS, managed the transaction after being engaged by BMB’s shareholders to find a buyer for the business.

Nigel Barratt said: “Marta and Bill are incredibly focused and determined, and I am sure that under their ownership BMB will be a great success. We look forward to working with them on other projects.”