North East manufacturing business sale advised by RSM

RSM has advised on the sale of Whiteley Murphy Group, a group of specialist design-led manufacturing businesses, to HAHN Group, specialising in automation and robotic solutions.

Established in 2004, Whiteley Murphy Group, headquartered in the North East with operations in the Midlands, delivers automation and special purpose equipment for various sectors including automotive, FMCG and healthcare.

HAHN Group (headquartered in Germany) operates across the globe manufacturing industrial automation and robotic solutions for automotive manufacturers and their suppliers, plus FMCG and medical technology industries.

The transaction combines two businesses and offers Whiteley Murphy Group an opportunity to enhance its existing portfolio of services. Directors, Chris Whiteley and Brian Murphy will continue to work with the business.

Steven Brown, corporate finance director at RSM, said: “Technology and automation is becoming increasingly important to improve productivity and efficiencies within industry.

“Whiteley Murphy Group has continued to adapt to the growing opportunities in the market designing market leading innovation that supports the needs of its clients.

“The transaction will allow Whiteley Murphy Group to accelerate its successful growth strategy, target new markets and enhance its overall offering to new and existing clients.”

The RSM team acted for the shareholders of Whiteley Murphy Group on the transaction. Hugh Welch, Mike Spetch and Adam Rayner of Muckle LLP, acted as legal advisors to the shareholders.

Mark Taylor and Sameer Narang of Grant Thornton and Jonathan Pollard, and Simon Winterburn of Eversheds Sutherland acted as financial and legal advisers respectively to HAHN Group.

Chris Whiteley, director at Whiteley Murphy Group, added: “HAHN Group is a good fit for our business.

“There are many synergies in expertise and sector specialisms, and the acquisition will further strengthen our offering and allow us to better serve our customers, which supports our next chapter of growth.”