Marubeni-Itochu Steel, a key player in the global steel market, has made a strategic move in the United Kingdom by acquiring Angus F. Gunn Limited, a prominent plate processor based in Scotland. This acquisition, completed through its UK subsidiary Barclay & Mathieson Limited, will allow MISI to expand its footprint in the UK steel processing sector, particularly in the high-strength steel market. The exact sale price of the transaction has not been disclosed, but the deal is set to enhance B&M’s capabilities and broaden its service offerings to meet growing customer demands across several industries.
Founded in 1958, Angus F. Gunn has built a strong reputation for providing a range of steel products, including specialized high-strength steel grades. The company uses advanced heavy plate processing equipment to meet the needs of a diverse customer base, which includes businesses in sectors such as construction, energy, and manufacturing. With 15 warehouses across the UK, Angus F. Gunn has been a key supplier to customers in Scotland and northern England, offering a comprehensive range of steel processing services and distribution solutions.
The acquisition of Angus F. Gunn is a strategic move for Marubeni-Itochu Steel as it strengthens B&M’s operational capabilities in the UK. By integrating Angus’ processing expertise into its operations, B&M will be better positioned to serve the needs of critical industries in Scotland, such as oil and gas, renewable energy, and construction. The deal will enhance B&M’s ability to provide tailored steel solutions, with a particular emphasis on advanced steel grades that are crucial for sectors requiring high-performance materials.
In particular, the oil and gas sector, which has a significant presence in Scotland, stands to benefit from the expanded processing capacity that B&M will gain from the acquisition. Steel products used in the energy industry, especially for offshore oil platforms and subsea applications, require high-strength materials that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. Angus F. Gunn’s expertise in heavy plate processing will allow B&M to offer even more specialized solutions to this industry, strengthening its competitive position in the market.
The renewable energy sector is another area where B&M anticipates significant growth following the acquisition. As the UK moves toward greater adoption of renewable energy sources, particularly offshore wind and solar power, the demand for high-quality steel products in these industries is expected to rise. By combining Angus F. Gunn’s capabilities with its own, B&M will be able to meet the evolving needs of customers in this sector, offering steel products that are essential for building renewable energy infrastructure, such as wind turbine towers and solar panel frames.
The construction industry in Scotland and northern England will also see benefits from the acquisition. Steel is a critical material in construction, particularly for structural components in buildings, bridges, and infrastructure projects. With the added processing capability from Angus F. Gunn, B&M will be able to supply a broader range of steel products to meet the needs of both residential and commercial construction projects. This will allow B&M to better respond to market demands and provide customers with faster delivery times and more customized solutions.
With this acquisition, MISI and B&M are positioning themselves to take advantage of the growing demand for high-performance steel products in key industries. The ability to process and deliver specialized steel grades quickly and efficiently is becoming increasingly important as industries like oil, gas, renewable energy, and construction face evolving challenges. As these sectors continue to expand and modernize, the need for high-quality, durable steel products will only increase, and B&M will be better equipped to meet these demands thanks to the resources and expertise brought by Angus F. Gunn.
This acquisition also represents a significant milestone for Marubeni-Itochu Steel’s ongoing efforts to expand its global steel processing operations. As one of Japan's leading steel traders, the company has a long history of strategic acquisitions aimed at bolstering its capabilities in key markets. The addition of Angus F. Gunn to its portfolio allows MISI to further consolidate its position in the European steel market, particularly in the UK, where demand for advanced steel solutions is expected to grow in the coming years.
