Two Tayside marquee hire firms have merged in a move that creates a new £1 million-plus turnover company.
Dundee headquartered DP&L Group confirmed it had acquired Blairgowrie-based AJ Henderson Ltd for an undisclosed sum.
The business is to be merged with DP&L’s existing subsidiary, Allison & Stiven Marquee Hire, and the new combined business will trade under the new brand of Henderson Gray.
The ‘Gray’ in the new name reflects Allison & Stiven’s own heritage as it traded as Allison Gray prior to a merger with RC Stiven in 2011.
The new unit will stand alone within the wider DP&L Group and its formation and premises at Blairgowrie will allow the separate Allison & Stiven workwear business the room it needs to expand at Dunsinane Industrial Estate.
DP&L group managing director Alick Bisset said he was delighted to bring Henderson’s into the fold.
“This is a quality business which will enhance our offering especially in the wedding and private hire sector, an area in which we have seen significant growth since taking control three year ago,” Mr Bisset said.
“I am also pleased that the move will result in the immediate creation of four new jobs in the local area.”
The combined business will have a turnover in excess of £1m and will employ 10 full-time staff.
The workforce is expected to double during the busy summer months.
Henderson’s was formed by Alistair and Jane Henderson in 1999 and primarily focuses on weddings and private functions.
Mr Henderson will remain as a consultant to the business during the 2018 season to assist with the integration of the two enterprises.
“We are delighted that the company will continue to move forward and expand as part of the DP&L Group and I am looking forward to assisting with the integration of the new business and ensuring our successful business philosophy is embedded into the expanded business,” Mr Henderson said.
John Lucas, managing director of Allison & Stiven, said the expansion was a logical step.
“As a result of the increase in business over the last three years we had run out of space at our existing premises in Dundee,” Mr Lucas said.
“The acquisition, in addition to adding the benefits of increased scale into the business, solves this issue as there is room for expansion on Henderson’s existing site.
“In addition, they have equipment – especially steel subframe – which significantly improves our offering to both existing and prospective customers.”
Mr Bisset said DP&L Group had grown strongly in recently years to become a circa £15m turnover business.
He added: “Since acquiring the DP&L Group in 2014 we have made significant progress with the primary focus on improving profitability through organic growth and strengthening the balance sheet by paying down debt.
“This has put us in a position where we are now able to make investments in businesses, like Henderson Marquee Hire, which are excellent strategic fits for the group.”