A Durham lighting manufacturer has snapped up a North Yorkshire business in moves to expand both companies’ market share.
Artech Lighting, based in Durham City, has acquired Powerlite Fitzgerald, a top lighting firm in North Yorkshire for an undisclosed amount, in a deal that completed this week. The transaction marks a significant milestone for the businesses, bringing the two modern lighting manufacturers together to boost their combined market share, secure growth and create skilled jobs.
Artech delivers lighting solutions to customers around the world, from the Ƶ to the UAE, which are all designed, developed and manufactured at its Durham base, while Powerlite Fitzgerald has grown a strong share of domestic markets for the last four decades. Stuart Hylton, managing director at Artech Lighting, said the deal strengthens Artech and Powerlite Fitzgerald’s positions in the industry, whilst preserving the foundations on which both businesses were built. They will continue to operate independently.
Mr Hylton said: “This is exciting for both Artech and Powerlite Fitzgerald, and we’re proud to be custodians of these industry disrupters. Both companies have solid foundations rooted in the industry, but this partnership allows us to build on our successes, increasing investment and opportunity for both parties, whilst continuing business as usual independently.
“When the opportunity to invest in Powerlite Fitzgerald came along, it immediately made sense. Both are prominent names in lighting, and ones I’ve known since the start of my own career, so it’s come full circle to now be custodian of these recognised brands and this fantastic organisation.
“Whilst we will share and instil best practice across both companies, there will be no ‘centralising’ of services – these are two separate businesses operating in different markets with an enviable set of in-house expertise, something we will be looking to build on in the coming months.”
Powerlite Fitzgerald, which has traded for more than 40 years, will continue to operate from Keighley, North Yorkshire, under new management led by Stuart Hylton. Nick Robinson, retiring managing director of Powerlite Fitzgerald, said the collaboration allows for new opportunities for both firms.
He added: “After a long and fulfilling career with Powerlite Fitzgerald I wanted to ensure that the business would be handed over to an organisation that truly values its legacy and future. Artech Lighting is a trusted company and under the team’s management I’m certain that Powerlite Fitzgerald will continue to thrive, with Artech putting the best interests of both the business and its people first.”
