Latest News - Business Park Developers Merge
Country Estates Holdings plc and Denton & Gibson Ltd have combined as a fresh commercial force in the development of business parks in southern England.
Although undertaken at the peak of the UK downturn, the merger is very much a strategic move to maximise the opportunities provided by recession rather than an economic necessity.
The merger, under which Denton & Gibson will operate as an independent subsidiary of Country Estates, was formally concluded at the end of April. Bill Phelps remains as Chairman of Country Estates and Graham Denton and Gary Smith become Joint Managing Directors. Denton will concentrate on customer-focused aspects and Smith on the logistical side of the business.
The new management team at Country Estates: Chairman Bill Phelps (left) welcomes Graham Denton to his new role as Joint MD, watched by fellow Joint MD Gary Smith.
Country Estates currently has 12 thriving business parks sited in six counties between Bristol and West London. Denton & Gibson is involved in various development projects including two major business park joint ventures near Reading and Swindon.
The new company manages a total of 1.5 million sq.ft. on 15 business parks and is currently providing operational space for almost 500 companies. It provides suitable premises for start-ups right through to corporate head offices and has a development land-bank of almost 200,000 sq ft additional business space.
Both merging companies have a 25-year proven record of success, focused on the development of high quality out-of-town business parks close to good transport links. Their business space, for rent, lease or purchase, also provides flexibility for growing companies and support services to ensure clean,attractive and secure working environments.
Many of the companies housed on Country Estates and Denton & Gibson business parks have helped drive the economy of the Thames Valley region, making it a European hub of commercial success.
27/05/2009