Semmco Group, the innovative engineering company that designs and manufactures access equipment, has been acquired by international industrial company HAKI Safety. The transaction was supported by Polestar Corporate Finance.
Based in Woking, UK with facilities in Arlington, USA and an office in Dubai, Semmco has built a strong brand and reputation based on excellence in its integrated design and manufacturing process, as well as for product innovation and quality. With over 50 employees, the company serves the world’s leading aviation and rail operators across Australasia, North America, the Middle East and Europe from its manufacturing hubs in the UK and US.
Semmco joins the HAKI Safety group, listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm stock exchange, which focuses on safety products and solutions that create safe working conditions at temporary workplaces. HAKI Safety offers a wide range of products and solutions within system scaffolding, work zone safety, and digital and technical solutions.
As a result of the sale, founder Stuart McOnie will leave the business at the end of the year. His son, Will McOnie, will continue in his role as Managing Director for the Semmco Group, working with HAKI Safety to achieve the long-term business goals.
Polestar Partner, Charles Whelan led the team on the transaction, supported by Conor Barrett (Manager) and Ella Bertrand (Analyst).
Stuart McOnie commented: “Having created a successful manufacturing business, it became apparent that for the company to reach its ambitious growth plan, investment was required. Consequently, I took the decision to sell the business and so, after careful consideration, we appointed Polestar to advise us because of their experience working with manufacturing businesses.
Polestar immediately understood the nuance of our business and effectively translated this for buyers, so they could appreciate the full value of Semmco. They managed the sale of the business professionally and efficiently and worked tirelessly to find exactly the right buyer.”
Charles Whelan added: “It was a pleasure working with Stuart, Sarah and Will as they sought to find the best partner to support Semmco’s international expansion. After considering a number of potential partners the team was very impressed by HAKI’s management team. Their industry knowledge, international expertise, and responsiveness shined throughout the process as we completed the deal exactly to the timetable.”
Semmco Group was also advised by Amy Askew, Co-Founder at Altitude Accounting and Kate Doody, Director at GBH Law.
