In a significant move within the industrial sector, Merridale Ltd, a Wolverhampton-based leader in commercial fuelling solutions, has been acquired by Teqnion AB, a Swedish industrial group known for its strategic expansion through niche market acquisitions. The deal, finalised in early March 2025 and facilitated by KBS Corporate, marks Teqnion’s seventh purchase of a UK company in less than two years, highlighting its aggressive growth strategy and confidence in British manufacturing expertise.
"John and I founded Merridale nearly thirty years ago, and as we now begin to approach retirement age, it has become imperative for us to make provision for the long-term future of the business, our employees, and our customers. We are delighted that in Teqnion we have found a company who will respect our legacy, and protect the integrity and reputation of the business, and the Merridale brand in the years to come."
Established in 1994, Merridale Ltd has grown from a modest operation into one of the UK’s foremost manufacturers of fuel management systems, fuel pumps, and tank management equipment.
Headquartered in Wolverhampton, a historic hub of British industry, the company has built a reputation for designing and producing robust, reliable solutions tailored to the needs of fleet operators, with systems installed at over 5,000 sites across the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Netherlands.
For co-founders Paul Ledbury and John Russell, who enlisted KBS Corporate to manage the sale, this acquisition represents the culmination of three decades of dedication.
"John and I founded Merridale nearly thirty years ago, and as we now begin to approach retirement age, it has become imperative for us to make provision for the long-term future of the business, our employees, and our customers. We are delighted that in Teqnion we have found a company who will respect our legacy, and protect the integrity and reputation of the business, and the Merridale brand in the years to come. We shall continue to work in the business to effect a smooth transition in ownership, and support the business as it moves forward." says Paul at Merridale.
Teqnion AB, founded in 2006 and based in Solna, Sweden, operates as an industrial conglomerate with a clear mission: to grow through the acquisition of profitable, niche-focused companies while fostering their development under an active ownership model. With a portfolio spanning industries such as laboratory equipment, electrical systems, and design engineering, Teqnion AB has steadily expanded its footprint across the Nordic region and beyond. The purchase of Merridale follows a string of UK acquisitions brokered by KBS Corporate since May 2023, including Stanwell Group, Surge Protection Devices, and Awarded 2U, among others.
Johan Steene, CEO of Teqnion AB, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “We are delighted to welcome the Merridale team to the Teqnion AB family. Precise fuel management is essential for a successful and sustainable business, and Paul, John, and their colleagues have the perfect system to make it happen.” This acquisition aligns with Teqnion’s strategy of investing in companies with strong market positions and untapped potential, allowing them to thrive within a broader corporate framework.
The sale, overseen by KBS Corporate’s Associate Corporate Director George Barnes, was a smooth process praised by all parties involved. Barnes congratulated Ledbury and Russell on their successful exit, noting the pleasure of working with them and their solicitor, Hitesh Punjani of Keelys, as well as Teqnion’s CXO, Daniel Zhang.
The acquisition is effective immediately; however, the previous owners, Paul and John will continue to run the company as they wind down to retirement.
Find more information on both companies at www.merridale.co.uk and www.teqnion.se.