A BLACKBURN firm that specialises in supplying promotional products to large brands has been bought by quoted distribution and outsourcing group Bunzl.

Michael Davies Associates, which trades as MDA, employs 180 people and provides point-of-sale products to food and drink companies.

The value of the deal was not disclosed but group turnover at the business was ?22m in the year to the end of December.

The Davies family held a majority stake in the company and three other director also owned shares – non-executive Paul Murray, finance director Mark Jones and managing director Dale Stokes.

Mr Davies, who is non-executive chairman, and Paul Murray will leave the business but the other directors will stay on. Mr Stokes told TheBusinessDesk.com: “There will be no impact on the company location or team members.”

He added: “It’s a tremendous accolade for team MDA in terms of a FTSE 100 business coming to us and deciding they want us to be part of the group. This is all about going forward and growing with no impact on the location or people.”

Michael Roney, chief executive of London-based Bunzl, said: “The acquisition of MDA is an exciting development for us as it extends our service offering in the retail and hospitality sectors in the UK. We are delighted to welcome their employees to the group.”

Last year MDA invested ?6.5m in a 250,000 sq ft distribution and storage base in Blackburn.

Published on: April 18th, 2013