ARA Group acquires Metalbilt, Danks in RCR disposal

Monday 14th January 2019

Metalbilt Doors and Danks Roller Doors have been sold to Sydney-based ARA Group as part of the liquidation of RCR Tomlinson’s New Zealand activities.

The two firms are leading manufacturers and installers of commercial and industrial doors, with branches in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

ARA managing director Edward Federman said they will be a good addition to the company’s New Zealand security business, which has branches in Auckland, Kerikeri and Wellington.

“Metalbilt and Danks will also be a great partner with the ARA Manufacture business in Australia. I was previously associated with the businesses more than 20 years ago, so this is a meaningful addition to ARA on a very personal level.”

No price was disclosed for the purchase.

The businesses, along with the rest of RCR’s New Zealand activities, were put on the market last month after their Sydney-based parent went into voluntary administration in November. All the New Zealand operations were cash-positive at the time and administrator McGrathNicol is continuing to operate them pending their sale.

Today, the administrators said the sale has ensured continuous employment for about 60 staff and uninterrupted service for customers.

Geoff Willis, general manager of Metalbilt and Danks, said the new ownership will enable the firm to expand its services by accessing ARA’s broader range of offerings in Australia.

ARA operates property and building services and maintenance, security, fire protection, and electrical, heating and chilling. It employs more than 2,000 staff and its seven divisions brought in A$479 million in the year ended June 30.

McGrathNicol noted that RCR Infrastructure, RCR Energy and RCR Energy Products are still for sale.

(BusinessDesk)

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