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On Wednesday 28th February 2007 an agreement was reached and signed to form a merger between the UK's two leading pet grooming suppliers, Simpsons of Langley Ltd. and Oakenshaw/Allbrooks (O&A).
After many years competitive rivalry, Simpsons has now purchased O&A for an undisclosed figure, allowing previous owners and proprietors Les Stock and Edward O'Hara to pursue other business interests. The merger of these long established companies is significant news to the trade with Simpsons now controlling the production and distribution of Allbrooks grooming products. In addition, this purchase strengthens Simpsons existing distribution rights for Oster professional products, acquiring O&A's 25% share of the UK market to increase their majority share to 50%.
So what does this merger mean for consumers? Although fundamental changes are planned, O&A will continue to operate as a separate retail business with its own brand identity and loyal customer base. Mail order and telephone sales will be integrated into Simpsons existing offices with the creation of a new O&A customer services department. Although changes to the current O&A stock list will be inevitable, the overall aim is to offer customers a wider choice of quality products from leading brands at competitive prices. All own-brand and exclusive O&A products will remain unaffected.
Production of the Allbrooks Tornado dryers will switch to Simpson's own fabricators, who currently produce the Supajet, Combi and Powerjet models. This necessary move is intended to help increase product supply for both the UK and export markets, and to modernise and ultimately improve manufacturing efficiency. Following long tradition, both Simpsons and Allbrooks dryers will remain British made.
One unchanged aspect of this merger is the continued opening of Oakenshaw's retail outlet based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Simpsons has been keen to preserve this amenity for local loyal customers and is delighted to be working with Sue Kendall who will manage and run the shop. With a new refit planned, the store will continue to offer its wide range of quality grooming and pet accessories with new additions to be introduced.
Simpsons describes the merger as forward thinking and a positive step towards securing the company's future within the industry. With increasing competition from e-commerce start-ups and diversifying businesses within the equestrian and agricultural sectors, joining forces with O&A will help strengthen Simpsons status as the leading European manufacturer and supplier.
Edward O'Hara and Les Stock now live in Ibiza where they are establishing themselves as successful property developers. With the sale of O&A now complete, this has afforded them a better opportunity to expand this growing business. In recent discussions about the merger, they had the following to say.
"When we bought Oakenshaw Grange and began selling the Tornado 93, we quickly saw its potential and recognised that it was a great product. When the opportunity arose to be part of the Allbrooks management buy-out, we were keen to be involved and extremely disappointed when the business failed. When there was only the Allbrooks name and a customer base left, we strived to rebuild it and with the help of our distributors and committed staff, we re-established it as one of Europe's leading dryer manufacturers."
"When the time came to consider passing the baton, choosing a new owner for the business was a careful decision. Although we had been approached to sell the business before, Simpsons was an obvious choice due to their knowledge and experience in manufacturing. Safeguarding our hard work and the reputation of Allbrooks was paramount and as such we felt this decision was a logical one. We are confident that Simpsons will take the company onto much greater and better things, developing an even bigger range of products and expanding distribution throughout Britain, Europe and beyond."
For more information, please call the website help line on 01354 691 835. (Int. +44 1354 691 835)
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