EveryWare Global Acquires U.K. Housewares Business

EveryWare Global Inc., a U.S.-based leader in the consumer tabletop and foodservice markets under the Anchor Hocking and Oneida brands, has acquired the George Wilkinson and Samuel Groves business units of Metalrax Housewares, a maker and provider of metal bakeware, cooking utensils and catering supplies based in the United Kingdom.

George Wilkinson and Samuel Groves are designers, manufacturers and distributors of branded and private-label retail bakeware, retail kitchenware and catering supplies to major U.K.-based retailers and foodservice operators. The acquisition brings a broad portfolio of brands, including Mermaid, Great British Bakeware, Le Buffet, Longlife, ecoChef and RTA.

“The acquisition of the George Wilkinson and Samuel Groves businesses significantly strengthens our United Kingdom presence and demonstrates our aggressive execution of our international growth strategy,” said John Sheppard, chief executive officer of Ohio-based EveryWare. “By enhancing our product portfolio and adding local manufacturing capabilities, we believe that there is strong sales growth potential in the U.K. market.”

Following the close of the transaction, the company expects the transaction to be accretive to earnings in the first 12 months of operations as EveryWare leverages the George Wilkinson and Samuel Groves customer base, brands and local manufacturing capabilities.

Established in 1931, the George Wilkinson business provides high-quality bakeware products and microwave-ready cookware to leading accounts across diversified retail channels, such as grocery, department stores, specialty retail and national accounts. Established in 1826, Samuel Groves’ products are sold under the Mermaid Bakeware and Longlife trade names. Made from hard anodized aluminum, Mermaid Bakeware is popular with professional chefs and caterers, while Longlife aluminum bakeware is manufactured specifically for catering use. Both businesses are able to provide private-label solutions that complement their own branded products.

EveryWare Global, which was formed through the merger of Anchor Hocking LLC and Oneida Ltd. in March 2012, has operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe and Asia. Its global platform allows it to market and distribute internationally its total portfolio of products, including bakeware, beverageware, serveware, storageware, flatware, dinnerware, crystal, buffetware and hollowware; premium spirit bottles; cookware; gadgets; candle and floral glass containers; and other kitchen products, all under a broad collection of widely recognized brands.