Wood finishes manufacturer Becker Acroma Ltd has announced management buyout plans for its Syntema distribution network.

The move, part of continuing restructuring of its UK operations, comes just a year after it acquired the eight-strong network, then operating under the Goldspeed banner.

The company has already completed an MBO with Graham Morris, who heads up Syntema South, and is currently finalising arrangements with Adrian Nuttall (Syntema North) and Mark Baines (north-west and east Midlands).

Ragnar Quarnström, managing director of Becker Acroma UK, said the company was not selling a share in Syntema to make money but because it believes “the entrepreneurial energy is better released under this form of private ownership”.

He added: “The Syntema concept of exclusive distributors where we have some ownership is an important part of Becker Acroma’s strategy across the world, not just in the UK.”

&#8220At a local level we are able to deliver a far better sales and technical support service to small and medium-sized customers than Becker Acroma could manage centrally.”

Adrian Nuttall, Syntema 

Over the past 18 months Becker has introduced common operating systems and procedures at the centres to improve customer service levels across the country.

Mr Quarnström said the company retains a share in the businesses to maintain strategic control.

MBOs at the four other Syntema centres are scheduled for next year. Each centre carries Becker’s standard products in stock and produces small batches of tinted product under licence.