Golf marks Fosroc sale announcement
On the day that Saint Gobain announced their intention in principle to buy Fosroc, the team led by Tim Mole were contemplating the pace of the greens and the height of the rough on the Kings at the Warwickshire!
This annual event sees Fosroc Employees, Clients, Customers and Distributors pit their skills against a course renown for its fast greens and narrow fairways. It may have been an omen but throw in 30mph winds to make this a challenging day.
The day lead by Matt Bromley Fosroc’s Northern Sales Manager; a keen golfer himself, ensured the AM AM tournament consisting of 8 teams of 4 players were fully prepared with tea, coffee and bacon rolls on arrival. Those more unsure of their abilities headed to the range at the first opportunity to blow off the dust whilst others contemplated what clothing to wear given the challenging conditions.
Not unexpectedly the “hot topic” was about the announcement from Saint Gobain. Those with knowledge of the brokered deal were very buoyant by the news and everyone feeling this was a great opportunity as Fosroc had out performed its competitors over the past 3 years and becoming part of a larger worldwide corporate structure would provide a greater platform for further innovation and finance.
The deal set to conclude around June 2025 will see a cash purchase of 990 million euros and see this unique opportunity to purchase a construction chemical provider and become part of the French industrial landscape. The acquisition will see 3,000 employees and 20 manufacturing plants provide strong market penetration into emerging markets particularly in India, Asian and Asia Pacific and adding to recent acquisitions will see Saint Gobain achieve a projected turnover of 6.2 billion euros across 73 countries.
“The deal elevates both businesses and we have sectors and areas that will complement the Saint Gobain worldwide offer. I think this will be a great opportunity for Fosroc staff as it brings in more financial support and innovation.”
Tim Mole General Sales Manager UK & Ireland Fosroc
As the talk of new opportunities subsided matters quickly turned to the more serious stuff of playing golf and handicap negotiations were more valuable than Billion dollars! Greens were registering 12 on the stimp meter and greenstaff were reliably informing us that the weekend would see them up to 14, but with the blustery conditions 8 teams took on the challenge led out by Team Makers/ Respol consisting of Joe Marler, Simon Lamb, Simon Hollier and Des Playfor. Despite the promise of the wind letting up it seemed to gather momentum during play and luckily the beer buggy provided ideal sustenance and shelter during the round, its frequent appearance a welcomed sight.
Players were asked to contribute £10 to enter the nearest the pin and longest drive competitions with the entry fee going to the Race for Life Cancer Research event being undertaken by the Ladies in the Fosroc Customer Service Team.
As well as the team competition their were prises for individual customer and the Stuart White Trophy for Fosroc Employees. Both competitions were won with 42 points, James McKeown collecting the Stuart White and Simon Lamb of Makers the Fosroc Shield.
“That’s the best I’ve played in 10 years and encouraged by fellow team players, I can’t remember playing to 4, I was really just focused on the team doing well as it was tough out there but I am delighted to be Fosroc Customer Champion for the year, there are some legendary names from the industry on the trophy so I am delighted to be part of that and hopefully I can defend it. I must admit 3 weeks after knee surgery I was just pleased to be able to play…”
Simon Lamb MD Makers
The team event consisted on 2 scores from 4 with scoring officiated by the Warwickshire Pro Staff. Last years winning team Captain Matt Bromley was knocked into second place as a young team from Makers and Resapol took top spot with 92 points, closely followed by Matt Bromleys team with 86, and third place lead by Fosroc Andy Hatch with 85, all very commendable scores given the conditions.
As with teams that tend to play well on the day the longest drive was collected by Joe Marler of Makers, when announced it was suggested that this shot came with its own “inflight meal” given the distance achieved into a 30mph head wind. Fellow team player Simon Lamb collected a nearest the pin as did Paul Suching on the 17th hole.
All players received a welcome pack consisting of golf towel, tees and ball markers and the much welcomed sleeve of Titleist Pro V 1’s although according to some sources some lasted a little longer than others during the round.
As with most golfing occasions it’s a great opportunity to catch up with people that you see form time to time and enjoy a chat about things outside of the work arena. There are always laughs and frustrations when you play particularly if you are looking for balls in tiger country but not many of us expected to encounter a zebra! Although a mascot for a neighbouring function it soon became the centre of attention for many a bet or dare during the evenings festivities.
The day concluded with an outside bbq and presentation hosted by Tim Mole & Matt Bromley.
Makers would like to congratulate Tim, Matt and all the Fosroc staff for making every one very welcome and for their generosity on the day, the Warwickshire has provided a great back drop for a great day.
“A huge thank you from me on behalf of my staff for the kind and generous invitations, I couldn’t play last year but delighted I was able to make it this year, we wish everyone at Fosroc well and I am sure their are exciting times ahead.. all the very best..”
Simon Lamb MD Makers.
