NEWS
LED GROUP ACQUIRES ATC FOLLOWING CAPITAL INVESTMENT INJECTION
Technical support for the ETIM data standard is now available to manufacturers, wholesalers and merchants operating in Ireland’s electrotechnical, building materials, HVAC and plumbing sectors. The Republic of Ireland officially joined the internationally-recognised data model for the standardisation and classification of technical product data on January 1. In recognition of Ireland joining ETIM International, ETIM UK is changing its name to ETIM UK and Ireland Limited, a partnership between the Electrical Distributors’ Association (EDA) and the Builders Merchants Federation. Used across Europe for over 30 years, the ETIM product data classification has expanded into North America and Australia/New Zealand in recent years. Companies adopting the standard can exchange product data with greater ease along their supply chains in multiple languages, improving efficiency and reducing errors. Margaret Fitzsimons, EDA CEO and a member of the ETIM International Board, said, “We have worked closely with the Hardware Association of Ireland and the Electrical Industry Federation of Ireland and its constituent associations on this initiative and look forward to continuing to do so.” www.etim-uk-and-ie.org NEW RESOURCE OFFERED TO IRISH ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURERS & MERCHANTS
Dublin-based ATC, an established brand in energy- efficient electric heating, hand drying solutions and automation controls, has been acquired by the LED Group for an undisclosed sum. Also headquartered in Dublin with a network of global offices, LED Group manufactures electrification products and energy
L-R: Brian Walsh, Managing Director, and Ciaran O’Reilly Founder and Chairman, ATC, with Mick Slein, CEO, LED Group.
remaining in place including Managing Director Brian Walsh, while ATC Founder and Chairman Ciaran O’Reilly will transition to a senior advisory role. Mick G Slein, LED Group CEO, said, “This partnership marks a new chapter for ATC and is another milestone in our building electrification buy-and-build strategy.” The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2025, subject to customary approval from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. www.atc.ie www.robus.com
transition solutions including its successful ROBUS LED lighting and FuseBox circuit protection brands. In October 2024, LED Group announced it had secured backing from Oaktree Capital Management, a global investment manager specialising in alternative investments. The acquisition is aimed at diversifying LED Group’s portfolio across commercial, industrial and residential segments, and its footprint in the UK and Ireland. ATC will continue to operate independently, with the existing team
ELECTRICIANS AMONG KEY USERS OF FINANCIAL OMBUDSMAN SERVICE
A free and easy-to-use dispute resolution agency is highlighting its services for small businesses in Northern Ireland after electricians were identified as key users among 4,800 cases in an eight-month period. Figures from the Financial Ombudsman Service,
covering April to November 2024, highlight challenges faced by small firms including traders such as electricians and plumbers. Fraud and scams remain the most common issue raised by businesses, generating more than 1,000 complaints over the eight- month period, with just under half related to scams in which people use an online bank transfer to inadvertently pass money to a fraudster. Other common complaints included financial providers’ poor administration and customer service, as well as insurers
declining commercial motor and property insurance claims. For example, a sole trader complained to the Service after his insurer reduced the value of his van theft claim, claiming misrepresentation that it was personally owned when it belonged to his business. The Ombudsman concluded the sole trader was legally indistinguishable from his business and directed the insurer to pay the full claim amount. www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
Margaret Fitzsimons, EDA CEO.
ELECTEX BELFAST : REGISTER TO ATTEND AT WWW.BEPEX.IE
IRELAND’S ELECTRICAL MAGAZINE | 5
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