A sign company run by a former Leicester Mercury Business Entrepreneur of the Year has new owners.
Sygnet Group, in Humberstone Road, Leicester, has been bought by wide format printing and sign contractor Hollywood Monster, which is based in Tyseley, in Birmingham.
In 2019 Sygnet managing director Gary Iley was one of the winners at the Mercury Business Awards. He who took over management of the business from his father, who founded Sygnet Signs in 1974.
Hollywood Monster said the acquisition meant the entire 25-strong workforce at Sygnet Group had been retained. The combined business now has 65 employees and a turnover of £12 million, with the capability to print more than 160,000 sq ft of “high-quality, sustainable signage per day”.
A spokesman said: “Based in the Midlands, we supply to some of the world’s most high-profile brands and events, as well as exhibitions at London Excel and Birmingham’s NEC.
“Operating as a trade supplier, this latest development will enable the business to expand its offering to its trade partners further still, drawing on Sygnet’s extensive permanent contract experience within property, construction, events, exhibitions, and retail.
“This new addition will continue to trade from its site in Leicester as Sygnet Fabrications and its branding will undergo an update, with a new logo and website already under development.
“It will continue to provide bespoke solutions such as totems, wayfinding, and retail and corporate signage, as well as rollout programmes, under our leadership.
“The procurement of Sygnet Group was a perfect fit for us. As a trade print supplier to the signage and events industry, we are already very familiar with the trade supply market and will continue to supply Sygnet’s established and future trade customers with quality signage solutions.
“Both family-run companies are based in the midlands and share a common background, with a strong manufacturing heritage that spans decades, and a culture that puts people at the heart of what they do and prides itself on strong customer relationships.
“They both have a pioneering spirit, exploring new methods and materials to deliver quality signage, with a particular focus on sustainability over the last few years.”
Hollywood Monster chairman Tim Andrews said: “This is an exciting time of growth for Hollywood Monster, and we’re delighted that Sygnet, who has contributed so positively to the print and signage industry over the last 45 years and who share our values, can continue to deliver quality, cutting-edge projects as Sygnet Fabrications.
“We are especially pleased that the acquisition will lead to the retention of 25 members of staff, who have tremendous knowledge of the industry and have shown unwavering loyalty throughout their time at the company.
“Like Hollywood Monster, Sygnet started as a family run business who work tirelessly to meet the needs of its customers, and its approach to innovation and the production of quality products makes it a perfect fit as we continue to grow to become one of the largest trade printers in the UK.
“We will be investing a significant amount in the business over the next few years, and we are delighted to welcome the Sygnet team into the fold as we work together to deliver impactful and saxustainable results to our customers.”