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• The paints interests of the Ault & Wiborg Group have been acquired by the giant West German-based chemical group Hoechst. Management passed to the new owner on February 1.
The agreement covers the business and current assets plus the wholly owned bodyshop and finishing chain — Spray Shops Supplies. The A&W factories at Perivale, Middlesex, however, remain the property of the Ault & Wiborg Group.
The purchase is seen as a strategic acquisition and part of Hoechst's commitment to the
automotive industry worldwide. These interests include
refinishing materials, OE paint finishes, plastic resins and components, fibres and cloth coverings, and pigments. The latest figures available (1984) show annual group turnover in the automotive industry at i'.700 million.
Throughout its refinish operations, Hoechst employs a two-brand philosophy. Hoechst already owned Berger Vehicle Refinishes in the UK and via the acquisition of Ault & Wiborg is poised for a major expansion in market share.
The new operation will work totally independent of Berger. It will continue its service through its national network with existing paint systems led by Aultragem COB, Aultrafast two-pack and Gipgloss cellulose.
Following a feasibility study, Ault & Wiborg's second brand, Sherwood Parsons, will be phased out, and the two field sales forces combined.
At a series of meetings to inform all Ault & Wiborg and Parson's distributors of the
new structure and plans, general manager Pat Campbell
and commercial manager Pat Currie have been delighted by the positive response.