Plastic pipe systems manufacturer Polypipe (Doncaster / UK; www.polypipe.com) has agreed to acquire the rainwater and drainage business of Marshall-Tufflex (Hastings / UK; www.marshall-tufflex.com) for an undisclosed sum. Established in 1980, Polypipe is one of Europe’s largest and fastest growing pipe manufacturers with 21 production sites in four countries and a turnover in excess of GBP 300m (EUR 330). The acquisition will add to its 27 principal brands across 10 companies. According to CEO David Hall, it “significantly improves Polypipe’s core drainage portfolio and develops new business channels as well as underpinning the business strategy of focus, simplification and growth.” Polypipe has invested over GBP 60m in capital equipment in the last three years. The business was acquired in an MBO-led buyout from private equity owner Castle Harlan (New York / USA; www.castleharlan.com) in 2007.

Privately-owned Marshall-Tufflex will now concentrate on the electrical installation market. It offers a wide range of cable management products manufactured in PVC, although aluminium, steel and GRP products are also supplied. It had previously disposed of its PVC windows business.