Hartlepool-based Exapmet, whose products include carpenters’ metalwork, joist hangers and restraint straps, had been under financial strain due to the recession and its existing funding had not been sufficient to sustain working capital and operational plans.
Expamet directors sought a migration of the business into a large, more stable parent company as the best option to save the 87 jobs.
Birtley is part of Hill & Smith Holdings plc, an international group with leading positions in the supply of infrastructure products and galvanising services.
"The benefit of this migration of business is that Expamet will become a part of a major group with turnover of more than £500m," Birtley said.
"Birtley is a long-established and successful business. Expamet trades with a similar customer base and creates a perfect fit, which will undoubtedly result in efficiencies that benefit everyone in the future."
It said future opportunities would include combining orders for different categories of building products.
Expamet, which had a £23m turnover in 2011, was last acquired by management in 2010. It sold the goodwill and assets of Metpost, the market leader in fence post supports and accessories, to Grange Fencing in 2009.
