Minnesota-based Ecolab did not disclose the terms of the deal. Ecolab chairman Douglas Baker said: “Powles Hunt represents a good bolt-on acquisition that will bolster our textile care coverage and service levels in the UK, as well as add scale to the business. We look forward to the addition of its well-regarded sales and service team to our company.”
Powles Hunt is a supplier of professional laundry products with annual sales of about $5 million.
Gordon Colinwood, head of resources at Quill International Group, confirmed Powles Hunt's UK commercial laundry sales staff had transferred to Ecolab with effect from 1 September 2006.
