Profast Group in Belfast, which supplies fasteners, fixings, window and door hardware to the construction and manufacturing sectors in Ireland and the UK, has been successfully acquired by three of its colleagues.
Led by Stephen Clarke, alongside Craig Milne and Jonathan Aiken, the team has taken ownership of Profast Ltd in Ireland, Profast (NI) Ltd, and Fortus Hardware Ltd for an undisclosed sum, with Belfast-based business advisory firm BDO serving as the lead advisor during the acquisition.
The new leadership team says it is committed to increasing Profast Group’s footprint and leveraging their extensive experience from large-scale public and private sector projects such as Belfast’s new Transport Hub and the Grand Central Hotel.
Employing 55 staff, Profast Group has also contributed significantly to high-profile developments including Windsor Park in Belfast, Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Titanic Museum, Belfast Film Studios, H&W, new educational institutions, residential projects and in recent years global data centres and renewable energy initiatives.
As part of the MBO, Stephen Clarke has been appointed chief executive officer, Craig Milne is chief operating officer, and Jonathan Aiken becomes chief commercial officer.
The company has been acquired from Brendan Flynn, who has driven its growth since 1995 with the support of his wife Helen and managing director Philip Gregg.
Mr Clarke said: “The business remains in very capable hands. I am honoured to assume the role of CEO and lead Profast Group into its next phase of growth.
“No one understands the business and its potential better than Jonny, Craig, and I, and most importantly our amazing team.
“Mr Flynn, alongside Mr Gregg, has done a steadfast job of building it into a successful and profitable company, and we look forward to carrying this momentum forward.”
He added: “These strong foundations will help us improve our operations in Ireland and become a more influential player across the Island of Ireland and into the UK.”
Since its inception in 1956 as Pipeflow Products Ltd in Ballymena, Profast has been a trusted name in the construction and manufacturing sectors.
Over the years, it has evolved into the Profast Group, renowned for supplying a wide range of products including fasteners, fixings, mechanical support systems, window and door hardware, louvre vents and complementary products for OEM, MEP, and other industries.