‘Sold’ sign goes up at major signage business

Published 29/09/2022 · Updated 01/10/2022

A Liverpool-based signage company has been acquired, for an undisclosed sum by a business with a base in West Yorkshire. Benson Signs, known in the North West as The Liverpool Sign Company, was founded in 1969 by Chris Benson and is one of the biggest manufacturers of signage in the UK. The company, which operates from a 50,000 sq ft base on Great Howard Street, near the city centre, is a leader in high-tech sign production.

It was one of the first sign companies to install laser-profiling equipment, and also the first to purchase a computerised router, specifically designed for sign manufacture. It has been acquired by vehicle cleaning specialist, LPW Group, which has bases in Upminster, Essex, and in Wakefield, Yorkshire. Founded in 1927, the group is a market leader in fleet and building cleaning and truck washing services.

The acquisition will add to LPW’s brand portfolio, which includes LPW Tankwash, LPW Truckwash, Mobile Fleetwash, LPW Fleetcare, LPW Fleetsales, Carlyle Limited, Wilson Contract Services and Pureclean Car Care. Benson’s services complement LPW’s existing roster, and its team will be looking to support existing customers with additional products and services. Laurie Moon, CEO of LPW Group, said: “Benson Signs has a phenomenal regional presence in Liverpool and the North West, and we are looking forward to helping this grow across the UK drawing on our expansive network.

“Chris has been a brilliant leader of Benson Signs, and I’m sure this will be an excellent partnership that delivers real value for our customers.” Chris Benson said: “This is a huge milestone in the history of Benson Signs, and I’m excited to see how the business develops in the coming years with this new partnership.” Independent accounting and advisory firm, DSG Accountants, supported Benson Signs in finding a suitable buyer, ultimately finding a match through data and analytics platform, MarkToMarket.

Benson added: “We have a longstanding relationship with DSG. The team have really got to know our business and provided the support we needed to make this significant decision. “Laurie and the LPW Group team share the same values of ambition and innovation, and I’m sure that working together we will see many successes.”

Andrew Moss, corporate partner at DSG, said: “As a Liverpool firm, we are committed to helping businesses in the region to grow and thrive and realise their value. “We’ve worked with Benson Signs for over 40 years and have seen them enjoy enduring success. I’m sure there’s plenty in store under this new partnership and am looking forward to seeing how it develops.”