A Swedish technical solutions group has acquired an 82 per cent stake in Stoke-on-Trent gear manufacturer DePe Gear.
Technology company Addtech, based in Stockholm, have bought the stake from directors Andrew Jubb and Nigel Parker, their families, and other minority shareholders in DePe Gear’s parent company, Mechanical Power Transmission.
Founded in 1987, DePe Gear manufactures high‑precision ground gears, transmissions and driveline components for customers in the UK, Europe and the US. The company employs 57 specialists and supplies major organisations including the Ministry of Defence, Transport for London, Rolls Royce, Aston Martin and Triumph.
The acquisition brings DePe Gear into Addtech’s international network of specialist engineering businesses, providing the manufacturer with access to wider global markets and long‑term investment.
A multi‑disciplinary team at Knights, which is headquartered in Newcastle-under-Lyme, advised the DePe Gear shareholders on the sale. The transaction was led by corporate partner Karen Procter, supported by colleagues across corporate, real estate, employment and competition.
Andrew Jubb, Director of DePe Gear, said: “The sale to Addtech represents a really exciting next chapter for us at DePe Gear and we’re excited to see what the future holds as the newest business in their group.
“Nigel and I are incredibly proud of how far we’ve grown as a business over the last 35 years and we’re confident that joining the team at Addtech will allow us to continue to provide the very best high-precision gears for businesses in the UK, Europe and the US.
“I’d like to thank Karen and the team at Knights for their hard work and collaborative approach throughout the transaction. They diligently guided us through each stage of the sale process and helped support a smooth process and a successful outcome.”
Karen Procter, Corporate Partner at Knights, said: “It was a pleasure to have supported the Jubb and Parker families and other shareholders of DePe Gear on this transaction, which recognises the value and rewards the culture they have built up together over many years. This transaction is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for them, their business and their employees.
“The rapid growth of DePe Gear to date has been really impressive and I’ve no doubt that together with the team at Addtech Nordic AB and their group of like-minded businesses, the products and services that DePeGear offer will continue to go from strength to strength alongside a growing worldwide supply chain.”
