Essential Supply Products Ltd (ESP) has been acquired by Lucart S.p.A, the operational holding company of the Lucart Group.
The acquisition, which was completed on Friday 26 February 2021, will see ESP become part of one of Europe’s largest tissue producers for the ‘away from home’ market.
Carl Theakston, who founded ESP in 1989, couldn’t be happier with the transaction. He explained: “After over 30 years, ESP is like one of my children so it was important to choose the right company to look after it. This transaction offers job security for all 85 staff and provides them with fantastic opportunities.
“For our customers, we will now have access to sustainable paper from multiple paper mills, which will further enhance our quality and consistency. I am proud of how far we have come alone and now incredibly excited about what we can achieve as part of the second biggest ‘away from home’ manufacturer in Europe.”
Lucart already has nine locations across Europe, but this will see them fully integrate into the UK market for the first time. Some key facts about Lucart include:
- It was founded in Italy in 1953, with headquarters in Lucca, Tuscany.
- It has 12 paper mills and more than 55 converting lines located in Italy, France, Hungary, Spain and now the UK.
- It employs 1685 staff.
- Has an estimated turnover of £575m.
Francesco Pasquini, Lucart’s Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, stated: “The initial priority of Lucart Group is to support the ESP management team, ensure continuity for all ESP customers, and gradually introduce in the British market the unique innovations that characterise the Lucart international offer.”
Craig Williams, ESP Sales Director, added: “This is a really exciting time in the development of ESP! The DNA of ESP will remain the same, but being part of such a large group will also bring many exciting opportunities. This will ensure we can meet the needs of every distributor in the UK, no matter how big or small.”
Any customers with questions are urged to contact their account manager.
