Chinese stainless steel manufacturer Shandong Yonghe Precision Metal Co Ltd  completed the partial buyout of its European joint venture, with the support of accountants and business advisory firm Smith Cooper. Following the transaction, Yonghe Precise Metals Europe Limited  relocated to a new office and warehouse facility in Burton-upon-Trent.

The Chinese manufacturer, which is based in Shandong, established Yonghe Precise Metals Europe in Tamworth in 2012. The European sales, storage and distribution headquarters  experienced substantial growth, and the manufacturer took the decision to acquire its partner’s share of the business as part of its growth strategy.

A new office and warehouse facility on Third Avenue was identified, which was chosen due to the central location close to essential transport networks for the arrival and delivery of shipments, and to help meet the growing customer demand for products.

The Burton-on-Trent facility will store a range of casting products, before they are delivered to automotive, pump and valve and oil and gas clients across the UK and Europe.

The Yonghe Europe staff at the current Tamworth site relocated to the new premises in Burton-upon-Trent, with new jobs being created at the new headquarters in the next year, in line with the business’ growth objectives to double in size over the next 18 months.

Smith Cooper’s tax team provided strategic advice to help facilitate the cross-border buyout including due diligence and deal related structuring advice.

Shaun Gray, Director at Yonghe Precise Metals Europe, said: “The business has experienced impressive growth since we opened the European hub, with our annual turnover forecast to reach £3m next year. “Our parent company in China was keen to support our plans to build on this success, move to bigger premises and to develop our own manufacturing plant in Burton-upon-Trent. Smith Cooper’s support was invaluable in coordinating the buyout and facilitating the relocation.”

Completed:
Dec 14

Smith Cooper Team
Darren Hodson

Value£0.5m