Zenith Hygiene Group to acquire St Helens-based CCL Pentasol

Cleaning product manufacturer Zenith Hygiene Group is seeking to enter new markets after announcing a formal agreement to acquire chemicals firm CCL Pentasol (CCLP).

CCLP, a provider of chemicals for the dairy, food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors, employs a team of 55 at its manufacturing site in Haydock, St Helens.

Zenith will fund its acquisition of the £8.3m-turnover firm through its balance sheet after securing a £13.9m funding package from Santander Corporate & Commercial earlier this year.

In addition to CCLP’s core markets, the deal – to be completed for an undisclosed sum by the end of June 2016 – will see Zenith increase its footprint in the water treatment industry.

As part of the transaction, CCLP’s managing director Alex MacDonald will join Zenith’s board.

Zenith CEO Ringo Francis said: “We’re delighted to be announcing this exclusive agreement to acquire CCL Pentasol today.

“The acquisition will open Zenith Hygiene to new markets, strengthening our position in the food and beverage industries, and provide significant growth opportunities for the business.”

He continued: “We look forward to working closely with the CCL Pentasol team to ensure a smooth transition and complete the transaction as quickly as possible.

“Going forward, we will continue to look for opportunities to acquire businesses like CCL Pentasol which will drive meaningful growth for the future.”

CCLP MD Alex MacDonald hailed Zenith as one of the UK’s “most respected” manufacturers and suppliers of cleaning products.

He added: “We are very excited to be joining Ringo and his team.

“We’re confident that together we will continue to drive value for customers, partners and our employees in the UK.”

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