Browne Jacobson advises tool manufacturing firm on significant expansion

UK & Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson has advised Helix Tool Company (Helix) on its double acquisition of Floyd Automatic Tooling and Nsert, strengthening its position in the industrial tool distribution market.

Helix, which was recently backed by NVM Private Equity, specialises in the supply and application of cutting tool products from leading manufacturers such as Sandvik-Coromant, Taegutec, Walter, Iscar, OSG and Tungaloy.

The additional two businesses will enable Helix to broaden its product range and offer enhanced value to clients in the precision engineering, automotive, aerospace and medical sectors. The new additions will also see the Helix team significantly expand both their existing locations and enlarge their geographical footprint.

Floyd Automatic is a highly specialist technical distributor of tools and consumables for the sliding head Computer Numerical Control (CNC) market, with deep technical expertise and several exclusive manufacturing partnerships. Nsert is a cutting tool and industrial consumables supplier to many customers across the North East, having built a reputation for outstanding customer service and flexibility.

The deal was led by Browne Jacobson’s partner Ryan Brown, supported by associates Bethany Grummitt and Miranda Foy (corporate), senior associate Craig Thomas (tax), legal director Mike Hoye (real estate), and associates Joseph Weston, Owen Jenkins and Tim Williams (employment).

Ryan Brown, Partner at Browne Jacobson, said: “It was great to work with Matt and the Helix team on these two acquisitions as it strengthens its market position as one of the leading industrial tooling suppliers.

“This is an exciting time for Helix following its secondary buyout by NVM and we look forward to seeing and supporting them with their continued growth.”

Matt Cattell, CEO of Helix Tool Company’s holding company, MRO+ Solutions, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Floyd Automatic and Nsert into the Helix family. Today’s announcement signifies a strong start to 2025 for Helix and we are confident that customers will see significant benefit both in terms of product offering and exceptional technical expertise.

“We’d also like to thank Ryan and the Browne Jacobson team for their support on these two acquisitions. This is a landmark step for Helix, and Browne Jacobson’s knowledge of the manufacturing and industrials sector and their user friendly and collaborative approach ensured both transactions were efficient and seamless.”

Browne Jacobson’s expanding corporate and mergers and acquisitions department has extensive experience assisting both public and private clients on domestic and cross-border transactions including mergers and acquisitions, investments, and restructuring. The team has broad sector coverage, including retail and consumer, real estate and construction, manufacturing and industrials, energy and infrastructure, and technology. Recent transactions which the firm has advised on include national retailer The Range on its acquisition of Homebase, and global digital transformation services provider Bluprintx’s acquisition of US-based e-commerce consultancy ITG Commerce.