The deal was completed on 4 March, 12 months after initial discussions commenced. Digital signage specialist ADXBA has taken a controlling interest in the combined venture via a new acquisition vehicle and is planning to start looking at other businesses to join the group going forward.
The companies will ultimately operate under one brand, but will maintaining their existing identities and premises “for the foreseeable future”.
Astra Signs specialises in bespoke architectural and traditional signage, supplying graphics across the UK and Europe for clients including Arnold Clark, Manchester Metrolink, Skechers, and Bruntwood.
Meanwhile, ADXBA serves digital out-of-home advertisers, transport hubs, and stadia. The company’s service covers the entire AV integration process, providing a high-performance bespoke offering as well as 24/7 monitoring and maintenance.
Recent major projects include working with BT for its next-generation Street Hubs and with Manchester Airport on its £1bn transformation of Terminal 2.
Nearly 150 staff will work at the merged business, which has a current joint turnover of £12m. It said that, with a number of contract wins each side, it is “expecting to quickly exceed this”.
All current staff will be retained, and the business will be led by ADXBA managing director Jim Kerr. Astra Signs managing director David Derbyshire will take time out to travel and explore other interests but the family business legacy will be retained through his brother, Joe Derbyshire, who will continue in his role as operations director, as well as his son and nephew who also work at the company.
David Derbyshire will also retain close links with the signage industry through his involvement with the International Sign Association UK and British Standards.
He said: “We’ve had opportunities like this before, but we’ve never found the right fit, so I’m very pleased that Jim is able to push this forward. Merging with ADXBA will provide Astra Signs with a national footprint, digital signage expertise and a strong technology base – giving the business a unique position in the industry. I am certain that the two businesses will do great things together.”
Astra Signs’ current fleet of print and finishing machinery includes kit from Inktec, HP, and Kongsberg.
ADXBA has not ventured into print before now, but a spokesperson told Printweek: “The business is however very excited to get in the middle of the industry. Jim’s grandfather and uncle were historically printers so it’s interesting for him to move in this direction.”
Commenting on the deal, Kerr said: “We worked with Astra Signs on the Manchester Airport Transformation project and I was struck by their attention to detail and quality of their products.
“As well as benefiting from each other’s skills and services, this move will allow both companies to increase efficiencies through scale and to add real value to our combined customer base whilst innovating through technology. We’re all very excited for our future as a combined business and we’d like to thank David for his commitment to Astra Signs for the past 40 years.”
