UK-based lead battery distributer DBS Leoch has been bought by its existing parent company, the China multi-national lead battery maker Leoch International Holding.
The battery supplier has changed its name to Leoch Battery UK and will continue to target the industrial and lifestyle markets.
The companies’ partnership started in January 2018 when Leoch invested in DBS Leoch. The new agreement is expected to give Leoch Battery UK greater access to the China company’s capabilities in battery production and Research & Development.
The move comes as Leoch International Holding focuses on growing its business in the EMEA region and the UK, and providing lead and lithium-ion batteries for leisure, automotive, UPS, telecom, renewables and industrial applications.
The new firm will represent US-based lithium-ion battery distributor RELiON Battery.
The deal, finalised on 12 March, has been in the planning stages for more than two years since the previous joint venture was announced.
Founded in 1999 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Leoch is one of the largest multi-range battery manufacturers in the world with coverage in more than 100 countries.
Leoch’s focus is on reserve power batteries, SLI batteries and motive power batteries.
Henry James, deputy managing director Leoch Battery UK, said: “An even stronger foundation will be created to enable us to move the business forward in the UK.
“On a day to day working basis, the team and phone numbers here in Market Harborough will remain the same although there will of course be corporate developments in terms of corporate naming, visual brand identity, website and email.”
