Medical supplies firm bought for £1.4m

One of the UK’s largest suppliers of X-ray protection equipment has been acquired by its former sales manager in a £1.4m deal.

A subsequent loan from The North West Fund for Loans Plus, which is managed by FW Capital, will support the company’s growth under the new ownership.

Established in 1860 by WS Rothband, the company manufactures X-ray protection products for the healthcare and nuclear industries, including the lead aprons worn by radiographers. It also offers a range of physiotherapy equipment and digital imaging products.

Paul Dixon, a former NHS radiographer, spent five years with Rothband as sales manager and product trainer. Since leaving in 2007, he has worked with larger medical device companies in a global marketing role.

Andy Traynor, senior investment executive at FW Capital made the loan to WS Rothband. He said: “WS Rothband is an established business with a significant share of the UK market. I’m delighted that the loan from The North West Fund for Loans Plus will provide the company with the growth capital it needs to expand and we look forward to seeing it thrive under Paul’s leadership.”