Reports Anglian To Be Put Up For Sale

In a significant development for the UK double glazing and home improvements sector, reports have emerged that Alchemy Partners, the long-time owner of Anglian Home Improvements, is gearing up to put the company on the market. This potential sale could mark the end of a 25-year relationship between the private equity firm and one of Britain’s largest installers of windows, doors, and conservatories.

Background on Anglian Home Improvements

Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Norwich, Anglian Home Improvements has been a cornerstone of the UK home improvements industry for nearly six decades. It fits over half a million products annually and employs around 4,000 people, with annual sales exceeding £300 million. Anglian operates under the Anglian Windows brand and has recently undergone a revamp after acquiring the assets of fallen competitors Everest and Safestyle.

Alchemy Partners, a buyout firm known for acquiring distressed businesses and turning them around, first took Anglian private in 2001 in a deal valued at approximately £160 million. The firm has owned Anglian in various forms since then, including a return to majority ownership in 2016 through its Alchemy Special Opportunities Fund III. This long-term involvement is unusual in the private equity world, where holdings typically last 5-7 years.

Details of the Potential Sale

According to exclusive reports from Sky News, Alchemy is preparing to appoint investment bankers to oversee the sale process, with an auction expected to launch within the next 12 months. While exact valuation figures remain speculative, industry sources suggest the business could fetch over £100 million, though some estimates place it higher based on past transactions. Neither Alchemy nor Anglian has commented on the reports.

This move comes amid a backdrop of consolidation in the double glazing sector, where Anglian has been an active player. In recent years, the company has bolstered its market position through strategic acquisitions of troubled rivals. Notably, in November 2023, Anglian acquired Safestyle UK out of administration, taking on its order book and assets. This was followed in May 2024 by the purchase of Everest 2020’s assets, including the iconic Everest brand, after that company also entered administration. These deals have positioned Anglian as the last major national installer, now controlling multiple well-known brands in the industry.

Implications

The potential sale of Anglian raises intriguing questions for the UK market, which has faced headwinds from rising material costs, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer demand amid a deteriorating economy. A new owner—whether another private equity firm, a trade buyer, or even a strategic investor from overseas—could inject fresh capital and drive further innovation in areas like triple glazing, smart windows, and sustainable materials.

However, there’s also caution in the air. The sector has seen its share of collapses, with Safestyle and Everest serving as recent examples of how economic pressures can topple even established names. Anglian’s stability under Alchemy has been a positive story, but a change in ownership might bring restructuring or cost-cutting measures that could impact jobs and supplier relationships.

Anglian is the last of the “big three”, but has a similar business model to that of Safestyle and Everest. They are not immune to the pressures of a stalled economy. The motives for the sale are unclear. Are Alchemy exiting to avoid troubled waters? Have they decided that it is no longer profitable to stay in the market?