Ilfracombe’s Pall taken over in US buyout

The company which runs one of Ilfracombe’s largest employers has been bought by an American giant for $13.8billion.

Pall Corporation has been acquired by Danaher Corporation but will continue to operate under the Pall brand, making filtration, separation and purification technologies.

The Pall factory in Station Road employs several hundred people but it is not known if the deal will have any effect on the North Devon workforce.

It is understood the board of directors at both American-based companies unanimously agreed to the deal, which must now be ratified by Pall shareholders before the end of the year.

Larry Kingsley, Pall chairman and CEO, said: “Pall is a complementary fit for Danaher.

“Danaher’s proven management system and strong financial position, coupled with Pall’s expertise, brand and channel strength in the field of filtration and separation science, will enable the creation of tremendous value for the global customers of the combined company.

“Our employees will benefit by being associated with a world-class company that has the capability to further enhance Pall’s market position.”

There was speculation last year about possible effects on UK jobs after Pall opened a new industrial manufacturing facility in Slovakia.

The Gazette has asked Pall what the takeover might mean for Ilfracombe but has yet to receive a response.