Stronger Together
Otto Simon Ltd • December 8, 2014
Allies for Coke Making Excellence: Otto Simon acquires John M Henderson.
Otto Simon is delighted to announce that we have formally executed an Asset Purchase Agreement with John M Henderson & Co Limited, acting through its joint Administrators, Blair Nimmo and Geoff Jacobs of KPMG LLP, to successfully acquire the John M Henderson Coke Oven Machinery technology and expertise.
The acquisition brings together two names with long and distinguished histories dating back to the 19th century and a common vision of providing outstanding competence in the coke and steel sectors.
The John M Henderson technology, developed and perfected during more than sixty years of R&D innovation, is the world’s leading coke oven machinery technology with more than 200 successful machinery projects completed worldwide.
The John M Henderson brand will be retained together with a core team of machine experts and continue its long established presence in the coke making industry, providing best available coke oven machinery solutions to coke plants worldwide. The business will operate as an independent entity out of newly established offices in Forfar, Scotland.
Sister company Otto Simon Limited is a leading process led consultancy and project delivery organisation with a proud heritage and distinguished track record of success and expertise in the coke and steel sectors in its own right.
The combined skills, knowledge and experience of Otto Simon and John M Henderson will be leveraged to create a strong presence in the UK coke and steel making sectors, increasing the range and depth of service offering to cover all aspects of coke production from by–products and coke ovens to state-of-the-art coke oven machinery.
Commenting on the acquisition, Steve Haywood, the Chairman of Otto Simon Holdings, said: “I am extremely pleased that we have been able to acquire the John M Henderson technology and key staff. The synergies with Otto Simon Ltd in the UK and our proud association with Thyssen Krupp Industrial Solutions will enable JMH to be even more successful in the future and ensure that the latest technology for oven machines is always available to coke plants around the world.”
Blair Nimmo, head of restructuring for KPMG in Scotland and Joint Administrator, said: “I am delighted that we have managed to sell a key part of the business which has not only generated employment in the Angus region but also helps maximise opportunities for businesses throughout the United Kingdom. We wish Otto Simon every success for the future”.
Gary McCombie, Managing Director of John M Henderson Machines Ltd, said: “John M Henderson and Otto Simon are an exceptionally good match, with aligned strategic visions and a shared culture of providing engineering excellence, innovation and customer success in the coke and steel sectors. We are stronger together than we were as individual entities.”
About the John M Henderson Technology
The John M Henderson coke oven machines are widely recognized as “Best Available Technology”, because of their pollution control performance, maximum reliability, ease of maintenance and minimum operating costs.
With near 150 years of expertise in Engineering Design, Manufacturing and Installation, and a proud track record of more than 200 Coke Oven Machines successfully completed worldwide, John M Henderson technology delivers a powerful combination of Fully Manless Operation with Total Environmental Control, each machine tailored to meet customer’s specific configuration and requirements.
For more information, visit the John M Henderson Webpage.
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