14/06/2006

The Maccaferri Group, headquartered in Bologna, Italy, has announced the acquisition of Yorkshire-based Epitropic Fibres Ltd and sister company Linear Composites Ltd. The purchase, a key element in Maccaferri’s global diversification strategy, was completed on 1 June 2006.

Epitropic Fibres Ltd, a manufacturer of conductive, antistatic, carbon impregnated Polyester fibre known as “Epitropic Fibre”, was formerly owned by the JWH Group Ltd. The company manufactures its antistatic polyester material alongside Linear Composites geosynthetic materials. Epitropic Fibres products are predominately used in the manufacture of dry filtration media and other niche markets where static dissipation properties are required.

Commenting on the acquisition, new Executive Director at Epitropic Fibres and Linear Composites and Director, International Business Development and Strategic Marketing at Maccaferri, Marco Finelli said: “We have had a worldwide distribution agreement with Linear Composites since 1996 and are very familiar with their product range. The Maccaferri Group is already successfully marketing Linear Composites geogrids alongside its own geosynthetic products for civil engineering applications. The acquisitions will open up new markets for us in the military, transportation, mining and technical fibre industries.”

“We will be able to extend the Maccaferri Group’s position as a global leader in the field of civil engineering and exploit new opportunities in the industrial sector, strengthening our position in niche markets and exploring new markets with significant growth potential.”

Commercial Manager at Epitropic Fibres, Andrew Whittam believes that the acquisition will create real opportunities for growth: “For existing customers it will be ‘business as usual’. We are keeping our company identity and familiar trademark but are now part of a much larger organisation with ambitious plans for growth. With investment from Maccaferri we will be able to focus on expansion and tap into new global markets for our products.”

The coming months will see a smooth transition towards the successful integration of Epitropic Fibres and Linear Composites into the Maccaferri Group. Maximising the potential synergies between the two companies will ensure steady market development, strong financial results and secure future growth.

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