Completed sale
Cowells Small Machine Tools Manufacturing & Engineering Business Acquisition by Saluki Design | Deal Summary
We provided the tools for retirement for the owner of a one-of-a-kind company…
“If you are selling a business, you would be well advised to consider Knightsbridge.”
Cowells Small Machine Tools is the UK’s sole manufacturer of mini machine tools, offering five key machines and over 50 complimentary accessories. The business is one of only a handful of its kind across the globe.
Based in Colchester, Essex, it was founded in 1972, before being purchased by its current owner Colin Childs in 1989. The business operates on an international basis, with circa 60% of its orders distributed overseas.
After 35 years of running the well-regarded firm, Colin made the decision to call it a day and reached out to Knightsbridge to help facilitate his retirement. Deal Executive Peter Taberner was tasked with leading Cowells’ sale.
Represented by Joe Bull, our National Sales Director, the team sourced 21 interested parties, holding several meetings with the most serious of potential buyers. Three competing offers were then submitted.
Its eventual acquirer, Saluki Design, specialises in the design and manufacture of jigs and fixtures, including workholding solutions. Based in Leicester, the company was formed in 2019 by Alistair Livesey and Kelly Peck.
Through a review, Colin described Peter’s service as “attentive and helpful throughout the successful sales process”, concluding: “If you are selling a business, you would be well advised to consider Knightsbridge.”
Peter said: “We’re proud to have played a key role in this successful sale, delivering a solution aligned with our client’s goals and values. We wish a happy retirement to Colin, and the best of luck to Alistair and Kelly.”