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Autonumis, the Stroud-based manufacturer of refrigerated drinks dispensers, bottle coolers and vending machines, has been acquired by Peak Analysis and Automation (PAA), part of Directech Global, with FRP Advisory acting as administrator.
Established in 1962, Autonumis is a light engineering company that employs 52 people and supplies its products to major brand owners, distributors and end users in the UK, Europe and across the world.
The business faced financial challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, notably during the lockdown of the retail, leisure and hospitality sectors and with our support, the directors at Autonumis began a sale process to find an investor to take the business forward.
Jonathan Dunn and Gareth Morris, director and partner in FRP’S restructuring advisory team, were appointed as joint administrators. They immediately completed a sale securing all jobs and the future of the manufacturing site, seeing Autonumis join laboratory robotics specialist PAA.
PAA is part of a South African manufacturing group, Directech, which is an engineering, procurement, construction and manufacturing business, with companies operating in a range of sectors, including robotics, machine building, tooling, guided vehicles, telemetry, packaging and spray painting.
Graham Keen, general manager of Autonumis, said: “We’re thrilled to be joining Directech. The group’s backing provides critical investment to support our operations and our growth ambitions. Our team has been incredible during some challenging times during the pandemic. The interest from Directech is testament to the skills, experience and drive of all our people and we’re hugely excited about working together to take the business forward.”
Jonathan Dunn added: “There are many fundamentally sound businesses that have struggled to recover from the pandemic, particularly those supporting the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.
“Autonumis took proactive steps to address its financial challenges and is now embarking on a new journey as part of a global manufacturing group. It is a pleasure to have supported the team and secured a positive outcome for the business and its employees.”
