Taplanes sold to TGM

Investment firm TGM has acquired specialist shower cubicle manufacturer Taplanes, in a transaction managed by BCMS.

Established in 1979, and run by twin brothers Andrew and John Wilkinson, Harrogate-based Taplanes designs and manufactures a range of prefabricated low maintenance shower cubicles and bathroom pods. The products are used widely across multiple client sites including universities, housing associations, hotels, and defence facilities.

Deal commentary

Taplanes’ patented product range and strong order pipeline were key benefits of acquisition for TGM. As TGM director Jon Frewin said at the time of the transaction in 2018: “Andy and John have built Taplanes into a great business with excellent growth prospects, and we think we can help accelerate that growth with our skills and contacts. In addition to organic growth, we will be looking for further add-on acquisitions to help Taplanes build market share and grow its export channel.”

Taplanes director John Wilkinson added: “Taplanes has been doing very well, but as we both reach retirement age, we wanted to find a new partner to take the business to the next level. There are a lot of new opportunities to develop, and we are both delighted to be leaving Taplanes in capable hands.”