Kaliber Group Acquires Universal Arches

Hot on the heels at the end of the FIT Show, acquisition season kicks back into focus with one of the biggest names in the industry being the focus of a buyout.

Kaliber Group, owners of KAT, Spitfire Doors and Ayrshire Aluminium have acquired Universal Arches for an undisclosed sum. Here is the official press release emailed to me earlier on Tuesday:

Kaliber Group, owner of leading doors and windows manufacturer, KAT, plus Ayrshire Aluminium and Spitfire Doors, has acquired Universal Arches, adding a further niche market leader to its group of PVCu and aluminium specialist businesses.

With forecasts showing continued growth in the home improvement sector over the next three to five years, Kaliber Group is increasing its fenestration market foothold to provide an extensive portfolio of specialist and aspirational quality door and window products.

Universal Arches is the leading PVCu profile bending company in the UK. Profitably trading for over 25 years, the company has established an enviable reputation for reliable quality and excellent service. The firm will continue to operate from its St. Helens, Merseyside base and there are ambitious growth plans for the business.

Leon Day, managing director, Universal Arches, will step down from his role to become a consultant to the business. He stated: ‘I am delighted that my business is joining the Kaliber Group because it will open up further markets for Universal Arches and I know my team will rise to the challenge. I will continue to be involved and I am very excited about Universal Arches’ next chapter.

Kaliber Group recently acquired Ayrshire Shopfronts in Kilmarnock, Scotland to enhance its product range and services in both the commercial and residential sectors. At FIT this week, sister company, KAT, announced an exclusive partnership with European market leading aluminium window and door systems extruder, Kawneer, to bolster its trade residential product offering.

Chris Powell, managing director, KAT, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Universal Arches into our group because it not only allows KAT to extend an already extensive product portfolio but it will also allow both businesses to provide a more comprehensive, joined up service, to both customer groups.”

David Richards, chairman, Kaliber Group, added: “The strategic acquisition of Universal Arches is exciting because we have added another niche market leader with a talented and committed workforce to our group of specialist but inter-related window and door businesses.”

I want to wish both parties the best of luck moving forwards with this deal. I know that Leon Day is a very well liked personality within the industry, and he’s done a fantastic job in getting Universal Arches to be the marketing leading arching specialists. Pretty much everyone uses them! This will be a deal well received by the industry.