Elliott Baxter & Company Limited (EBB) is delighted to announce the acquisition of Realt Paper. EBB has acquired 100% of the shares. The acquisition will generate combined group turnover in Ireland of circa €50 million.
The acquisition of Realt Paper will make EBB the largest merchant in the Irish market and further demonstrates its commitment to Ireland. Realt Paper will continue to trade from its Swords premises and EBB Ireland from Rathcoole and Belfast. During 2024, EBB plans to integrate Realt Sales within the EBB logistics network offering the enhanced service and product offering to the Irish market.
EBB’s new combined strength will see a larger product portfolio and commitment to keeping high stocks locally to serve the Irish print, paper and packaging community. Matt Elliott, EBB Group Managing Director said: “Since we entered the Irish market with our acquisition of UniBoard back in 2019, Realt has always been on our radar due to the excellent reputation they have. As a competitor, we have admired their professionalism in everything they do. Ger and his family, together with the Realt team have built a fantastic business, with great staff, loyal customers and excellent mill partners. Our new combined strength, backed up by our UK stock and resources, will see improved choice and better service to all our Irish customers.”
Ger Barron, Realt Managing Director, said: “Realt is a successful and profitable company that has been in business for 43 years. Our success is attributed to our talented team’s determination, focus, and skills. We are a family-run business that holds on to our humble beginnings when my Dad bought our first company van for 300 punts and after a substantial bad debt remortgaged our family home in the third year of business to keep the company running. We are excited to join EBB Ireland, a 100-year-old family business with a similar culture. We look forward to developing new products and business areas and constantly improving our offering to the Irish market. The future is bright, and we are ready for all the opportunities it brings.”
Chris Sandwell, EBB Group Sales & Marketing Director, said: “We are delighted with the acquisition of Realt, since our arrival in Ireland we have admired the team and look forward to welcoming them all to the EBB family. EBB is committed to the Irish market and in developing a local team to drive and manage the business into the future. The paper and board market is in constant change and with that comes challenge and opportunity. We believe the combined entity offers the best chance for EBB to support all of the local markets. I and the team at EBB Ireland are looking forward to working alongside new colleagues at Realt and delivering higher value to both customers and suppliers alike.”
