Jobs at risk as shares acquisition creates giant within UK sector

British Ceramic Tile has completed the acquisition of a West Yorkshire business, to create one of the largest tile companies in the UK – in an expansion deal that has put up to 100 employees' jobs at risk.

Newton Abbot-based BCT has acquired Ceramic Prints, one of the UK's biggest importers and distributors of tile, stone and glass decorative products, in an undisclosed-figure share acquisition deal.

A spokesman said that the continued weak performance of the UK and export building material sectors, would necessitate both companies, which have a combined workforce of 430, streamlining their operations.

A 30-day consultation is due to begin over redundancies which will total "under 100" across both sites.

BCT, which earlier this year invested 2 million in a new kiln to streamline processes at its 40 million facility, reduced its 380-strong workforce by 83 staff in July. It also moved from a seven-day operation to a three-shift process Monday to Friday.

CP supplies DIY multiples and independent tile retailers across the UK via a 150,000 sq ft distribution centre. It also manufactures value added decorative tiles and borders.

A spokesman said the deal would see CP's extensive sourcing and supply chain experience boost the strengths of BCT's state-of-the-art manufacturing operation.

The enlarged business will be continue to be dual-sited in Devon and West Yorkshire.

BCT CEO Matthew Gazzard said: "The two companies make for a powerful combination. We bring manufacturing scale and CP brings additional product, marketing and supply chain experience as well as much valued customers and suppliers.

"The newly enlarged company now places us in a very strong position from which we can better service customers both in the UK and abroad."

The move will see CP's founder and CEO, Tony Taylor, stay with the group as its commercial director.