In what was described as a new chapter in its history, safety products specialist Arco has been bought by global investment firm HIG for an undisclosed sum – ending the 140-year ownership of the Martin family.
“The transaction represents a significant investment in Arco’s future, providing the capital and strategic support to accelerate growth, expand its capabilities and further strengthen its position across the PPE, workplace safety and training markets,” the supplier wrote in a press release.
There was also a reference to a “new phase of investment”, with “significant opportunities” for Arco to broaden its market reach – including a “strong foundation for […] expansion across the UK, Europe and North America”.
The Hull-based firm has seen a significant improvement in its financial performance under the leadership of Guy Bruce, who was named CEO in 2022. He and his senior team have delivered 38.4% EBITDA compound annual growth over four consecutive years.
A newly comprised board of directors will be chaired by Meine Oldersma, a non-executive director at Arco since early 2025. He has “extensive experience with HIG” and previously worked with Bruce – who is staying on as CEO – at building materials distributor SIG.
In addition to Oldersma and Bruce, the board will include Adam Taylor and Elliott Robinson of HIG and CFO Dan Carr.
