Ashtons Legal advises Seaforth Holdings on the acquisition of Indestructible Paint Limited

Ashtons Legal has advised Seaforth Holdings Limited on its acquisition of Indestructible Paint Limited, a Birmingham-based manufacturer and global leader in high-endurance coatings for the aerospace, defence and industrial sectors.

The transaction was supported by a multi-million-pound structured finance package from Shawbrook, a long-standing funding partner to Seaforth. Ashtons Legal acted as lead legal adviser to Seaforth throughout the transaction, advising on all aspects of the acquisition and working closely with management and funders to deliver the deal efficiently and on schedule.

Indestructible Paint, established in 1978, has earned a global reputation for producing coatings designed to withstand extreme and highly regulated conditions. Founded by Douglas Norton, the business has spent more than 40 years building an unparalleled reputation within the industry. The company develops and manufactures over 750 proprietary formulations, including its well-known “Rockhard”, “Ipcote”, and “Smoothcote” ranges, serving major aerospace and defence programs in more than 65 countries.

Several of its specialist coatings are entirely bespoke and unique to the company, designed for mission-critical applications, including resistance to ultra-high temperatures. Its products play a critical role in applications such as jet engines, propulsion systems, industrial gas turbines, and specialist defence platforms, where durability, heat resistance, low friction, and weight optimisation are essential. Recent growth has been driven by the introduction of chrome-free coating solutions, helping customers meet increasingly stringent environmental standards.

As part of the transaction, Indestructible Paint’s existing management team will remain with the business, ensuring continuity and preserving the specialist technical expertise that underpins its success.

Craig Fiddaman, Partner at Ashtons Legal, commented: “This was a strategically important acquisition for Seaforth and a great example of how well-structured finance can support ambitious growth plans. Our role was to guide the client through a complex, fast-paced process and ensure the transaction was delivered smoothly. Indestructible Paint is a high-quality business operating in a highly technical sector, and we are pleased to have supported Seaforth in securing such a strong addition to its portfolio.”

Francis Marx, Director of Seaforth, added: “Ashtons Legal provided clear, commercial advice throughout the process and worked seamlessly with all parties to keep the deal moving. Their understanding of both the sector and the funding dynamics was invaluable in getting this transaction completed.”

Advisers on the transaction were Ashtons Legal, acting as legal adviser to Seaforth Holdings; Oaklins S&W, acting as exclusive sell-side adviser to Indestructible Paint; Mills & Reeve, acting as lead legal advisers for the sellers; and Pinsent Masons, acting as adviser to Shawbrook.

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The Business Client Group at Ashtons Legal assist and advise a large number of businesses of all sizes and across all industries, with a particular focus on privately owned businesses.

If you need legal assistance regarding the sale or acquisition of a business, please contact our Corporate and Commercial team using our online enquiry form or by calling 0330 191 4835. We will be happy to assist you with your enquiry.