Bidvest secures UK competition authotities approval to buy Citron

Bidvest has successfully gained approval from the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for its acquisition of 100% of Citron, a leading provider of washroom hygiene products and services.

This decision marks a pivotal moment in Bidvest's strategy to expand and enhance its offerings within key markets.

Citron, headquartered in Toronto, Canada, boasts a diverse customer base across several sectors, including manufacturing, hospitality, facilities management, education, commercial, and healthcare. The company serves approximately 50 000 customer locations through its extensive network of seven branches in Canada, four in the USA, and 10 in the UK. This broad reach enables Bidvest to tap into multiple industries, further solidifying its position in the global market.

Bidvest on Thursday said the strategic acquisition aligned seamlessly with its objective to expand its services in hygiene, facilities management, and the distribution of plumbing and related products.

By integrating Citron's established infrastructure and expertise, Bidvest stands to enhance its service offerings significantly, catering to a wider range of clientele and increasing operational efficiency.

The transaction does not fall under a categorised acquisition as per the Listings Requirements of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), thus allowing Bidvest to disclose this information on a voluntary basis.

With the CMA's approval in hand, both parties are now working toward finalising the transaction, a step that is anticipated to create new opportunities for growth and innovation within the hygiene services sector.

As Bidvest moves forward with the acquisition, the company is poised to leverage Citron's capabilities to not only enhance service delivery but also to foster new market dynamics in a post-pandemic landscape, where hygiene and sanitation remain paramount.

BUSINESS REPORT