Our history
1996: ZHS founded by Ringo Francis, now Chief Executive, and he was soon joined by Colin Fogarty now Managing Director, Ireland and Derek Lafbery, now Director of Special Projects
September 2003: acquired Keen Janitorial.
October 2004: acquired SB Chemicals, thus adding chemicals manufacturing capacity via a dedicated plant in Lisburn, Northern Ireland
February 2005: AIM listing and legal re-organisation, during which Stanley Fink acquired a 5% interest in the Company
March 2005: acquired Quantum Hygiene, based in Kent, which strengthened presence in the supply of products to restaurants, hotels and leisure businesses in South-East
April 2005: acquired MP Chemical’s customer base, boosting Zenith’s presence in Northern Ireland
August 2005: acquired Renaissance Laundry & Cleaning Supplies Ltd based at Ross-on-Wye, increasing Zenith’s ability to service private healthcare markets
December 2005: acquired GWP Group, adding the Elland distribution site and powder plant in Oldham
June 2006: acquired Baker Hygiene and Cleaning Services, adding a distribution depot in Leicester and boosting Zenith’s health care sales offering.
Early 2008 Ringo Francis approached by key institutional investors in Zenith to suggest support for a public to private buyout. A bid team was assembled comprising Stanley Fink, Ringo Francis and Arvinder Walia
23 October 2008: Public to Private buyout of Zenith by way of recommended cash offer for Zenith by the newly formed acquisition vehicle fully funded by significant equity investment by Stanley Fink. The buyout was completed in November 2008.
2009: Michael Cronk invests in Zenith and joins the board