Alumasc acquires a leading UK supplier of green roofs
The Alumasc Group plc (ALU.L), the premium building and engineering products group, announces that it has further expanded its presence in the sustainable building product arena through the acquisition of Blackdown Horticultural Consultants Limited (“Blackdown”), a leading UK supplier of green roofs, for cash consideration of £2 million.
Green roofs improve a building’s thermal performance, increase rainwater retention thereby reducing storm water run-off, and reduce the life-cycle costs of a roof by protecting it from climatic changes, UV light and mechanical damage. In addition, they provide wider benefits, such as helping to reduce the heat island effect within cities, increasing the absorption of CO2, increasing biodiversity and improving the built environment more generally. The Mayor of London announced on 27 February 2008 that he expects planning applications for all major developments in London to incorporate living roofs where feasible.
Blackdown specialises in extensive green roofs, which are lightweight, require limited maintenance and no artificial irrigation. This type of green roof represents around two-thirds of the UK green roof market. The acquisition will complement Alumasc’s leading position in the intensive green roof market through the ZinCo brand. Intensive green roof systems tend to be more complex than extensive green roofs, including a need for irrigation, and usually provide an amenity for building occupiers.The combination of Blackdown with Alumasc’s existing business will ancing within the first year of ownership.
Paul Hooper, Chief Executive of The Alumasc Group, said: “Blackdown is an excellent strategic fit for Alumasc, and increases the group’s presence in one of the fastest growing markets in the sustainable building product arena. Blackdown will complement Alumasc’s existing green roof business, and we are delighted to welcome into the group all of the Blackdown team, who bring with them unrivalled expertise in this exciting market niche.”
Notes for Editors:
Alumasc’s sustainable building products facilitate energy and water management. The principal energy management products are Levolux solar shading systems (acquired in May 2007), MR Facades external wall insulation systems, and ZinCo and Blackdown green roofs. The principal water management products are Gatic Slotdrain, Harmer and SML drains, Alumasc aluminium and Apex cast iron rainwater products, and Hydrotech and Derbigum waterproofing products. Hydrotech and Derbigum are frequently specified as part of green roof systems.
Photographs:
Photographs of Blackdown extensive green roofs are available from Rose Oddy of Bankside Consultants, by email to rose.oddy@bankside.com
Enquiries:
The Alumasc Group plc 01536 383844
Paul Hooper (Chief Executive) info@www.alumasc.co.uk
Andrew Magson (Finance Director)
Bankside Consultants Limited 020 7367 8851
Charles Ponsonby charles.ponsonby@bankside.com