Owner of Boots to be acquired by private equity firm
Eurocell makes £29m acquisition
Eurocell, the manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC window, door and roofline products, has acquired Alunet for £29m.
The deal comprises an initial payment of £22 million and deferred consideration of approximately £7 million payable in four annual instalments beginning in 2026. In addition, there is the potential for performance related payments of up to £6m over the same period.
The acquisition strengthens Eurocell’s position in residential aluminium systems and composite doors, and adds garage doors to its product portfolio.
Alunet includes a stable of home improvement brands and comprises four businesses: Alunet Systems, Comp Door, JDUK, and UK Doors (Midlands).
For the year ended 31 December 2024, Alunet delivered unaudited revenue of £43m and EBITDA of £4.5m.
Alunet’s retained team, led by Chief Executive Steve Hudson, will strengthen the group’s management and Steve will join Eurocell’s Executive Committee. Alunet employs approximately 200 people.
Darren Waters, Chief Executive Officer at Derbyshire-based Eurocell, said: “Alunet is a great acquisition for Eurocell. It significantly strengthens our position in aluminium, enhances our composite door offering, and adds a premium range of aluminium garage doors to our portfolio of home improvement products.
“Alunet has grown rapidly since its establishment in 2013, and under Eurocell’s ownership, we will leverage our leading market positions in new build, trade fabrication and distribution, to help the business reach its full potential.
“On behalf of the Board I am delighted to welcome the management and employees of Alunet to the Group.”
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Leicestershire care provider rated ‘requires improvement’ over medicine and record-keeping failures
Premium Home Care Services Limited, also known as Home Instead Senior Care, has received a “requires improvement” rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection. The watchdog flagged concerns over medicine management, record-keeping, and leadership at the domiciliary care provider based in Beaumont Leys, Leicestershire.
The inspection found that the service failed to meet legal requirements for the safe administration and management of medicines. Inspectors reported a lack of guidance for medication use, poor oversight, and failure to follow best practices, resulting in a breach of the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
The CQC cited inadequate systems to update care records when multiple healthcare professionals were involved, leading to confusion over care responsibilities. Additionally, inspectors found safeguarding incidents were not always reported or addressed in line with policy due to weak managerial oversight.
Leadership and governance were also criticised, with the report highlighting a lack of audits and oversight that resulted in another regulatory breach. Multiple management changes have impacted the service’s effectiveness. However, the report acknowledged a positive workplace culture, with staff feeling valued and respected.
Despite the overall “requires improvement” rating, the service was rated “good” for its effectiveness, responsiveness, and quality of care. During inspection in late 2023, the service supported 65 people with personal care in their homes.
UK space partnership to accelerate technology deployment
Space Park Leicester and Perpetual Atomics partnered with Sidereus Space Dynamics to enhance the UK’s space technology and scientific missions capabilities. The collaboration includes dual Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between Sidereus, Space Park Leicester, and Perpetual Atomics, focusing on rapid prototyping, validation, and deployment of space technologies.
The partnership will support additive manufacturing of space engine components, heat shield innovation, and advanced materials for space applications. UK-based organisations will gain access to Sidereus’ EOS system, a single-stage-to-orbit launch vehicle that enables cost-effective testing of mission-critical materials in microgravity and very low Earth orbit.
Sidereus aims to provide flexible access to space, removing reliance on restrictive launch schedules. Perpetual Atomics will focus on advancing radioisotope power technologies and energy systems for deep space missions. The initiative is expected to strengthen the UK’s space engineering and innovation position.
Boots sale worth £8bn possible after 300 store closures
Boots, the well-known UK pharmacy and retail chain, is poised for a potential £8 billion sale, with reports suggesting a deal could be finalised this week. This follows the closure of 300 stores as part of a significant cost-saving effort by its parent company, Walgreens Boots Alliance, which is facing financial challenges. The private equity firm Sycamore Partners is expected to acquire the business, raising questions about Boots’ long-term presence on the UK high street.
Despite the closures, Boots in Nottingham, has seen a marked performance improvement. The company’s retail sales surged by 8.1% between September and November 2024, driven by strong online growth and its pharmacy services. Online sales increased by 23%, while pharmacy sales grew by 5.8%, bolstering the company’s appeal to investors.
This shift in performance could lead to a separation from Walgreens and Shields Health Solutions, with speculation that Boots might be listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Next major step taken in Derbyshire Waste Treatment Facility Project
- Competitive Dialogue – October 2025
- Contract award (Cabinet decision) – December 2025
- End of due diligence and commencement of rectification phase – June 2027
- Start of commissioning – June 2028
- First waste acceptance – November 2028
- Completion of commissioning and transition to normal operations – Winter 2028 – Winter 2031