Hull-based luxury paper provider GF Smith has taken over fine-art paper supplier RK Burt in a deal which will enable both businesses to benefit from their combined expertise, warehousing and skilled staff.
RK Burt will continue to operate as an independent business based in London, with brothers Clifford and Richard Burt remaining with the company.
‘The fine art materials sector has always been of interest to us and we have admired RK Burt for many years,’ said John Haslam, joint managing director at GF Smith. ‘With this acquisition we are further enhancing our ability to supply the creative world with remarkable products and unsurpassed service.’
‘We are delighted to announce the acquisition,’ added Clifford Burt. ‘The similarity of corporate culture between these two family run businesses, dating back to the 1800s, along with the high degree of mutual respect with which each company holds the other, made it a straightforward decision.’
Charlotte Couchman will become a director at RK Burt and will join the existing G F Smith senior leadership team. Ms Couchman said, ‘We are excited to work closely with the team at GF Smith in order to exchange expertise and, whilst our focus remains on nurturing our much valued customers, we look forward to exploring opportunities within the fine art material sector.’
