Parent company of brands including JT, Summerbridge and Vogue, Kartell UK has completed the acquisition of Marleton Cross and its subsidiaries, which trade as the MX Group.

Headquartered in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, MX Group manufactures shower trays for the UK market.

Founded in 1974 by its chairman, Bernard Robinson, who will continue to support the business in a consultancy capacity, the company employs more than 150 people.

Sponsored Video

Quarter sawn Tulipwood

MX operates from a 90,000 sqft headquarters and distribution site, with automated production facilities and the acquisition will see Kartell continue to invest in manufacturing.

The MX Group will operate as a standalone business within the Kartell group, under the guidance of the existing management team, but will be able to share best practices and the group’s customers with a wider choice of products.

CEO of Kartell Alex Norford said: “The MX Group is a long-established and well-respected name in the industry, with a reputation for quality and innovation in showering.

“We are proud to be taking on the business and look forward to working closely with the team at MX Group to continue Bernard’s legacy and offer our customers an improved range of product options. In addition, we are pleased to play our part in securing the future of the UK shower tray manufacturing industry, given the pressures the sector has been under in recent years

Founded in 2008, Kartell is a supplier of radiators, designer towel warmers and bathroom products to the independent and merchant showroom sector in the UK.

The group turns over in excess of £135m under brands K-RAD, K-VIT, JT, Vogue and Summerbridge and Clear Look, employing more than 500 people across principal sites in Bedford, Wigan, Willenhall, Hull and Leeds.

The group management team will work with the MX Group team to develop the business in the UK and internationally, with the group expecting continued growth across its core markets.

Kartell was advised by FRP Corporate Finance’s East Midlands team, led by Harry Walker, with legal advice from a team led by Sophie Burke of Fladgate LLP and financial due diligence provided by Price Bailey LLP.