Duchesne Ltd., a fourth-generation family business in Canada, is turning over the keys to a new investment owner that promises to support its desire to grow.
Investment firm Namakor Holdings LP of Tampa, Fla., has acquired Duchesne, a 95-year-old siding and roofing manufacturer in Yamachiche, Quebec, about 75 miles northeast of Montreal. Namakor was based in Montreal until its move a few years ago.
Abhinav Capoor, Namakor vice president of investments, said in a Feb. 8 phone interview that the deal went smoothly and the companies are now in "integration mode."
"We like the building materials business," Capoor said. "Duchesne has made great inroads into the U.S. market, with top-tier customers. We're definitely looking to expand and build on that."
He added, "Duchesne has good infrastructure, [tremendous] capacity to grow and a fantastic team in place."
That team will remain on board to help with the transition, he said. General Manager Audrey Duchesne-Milette will work with Christian Dauphinais, who is joining the company as president and CEO. Sylvain Toutant becomes chairman, replacing Françoise Duchesne.
Françoise Duchesne and Duchesne-Milette released a statement Feb. 8 explaining the transaction: "Today, we are adding new momentum to our ambitious drive to significantly increase our sales in Canada and the United States. The construction industry is booming and the potential for market share growth is high. To beat our competitors to the punch, our team needs additional human and financial resources."
Duchesne employs 150. In addition to siding and roofing, the company makes and distributes reflective insulation and other construction products of vinyl, aluminum and steel. It also produces polyethylene film for construction.