IWP International's acquisition of Jeyes, which has been declared unconditional in all respects, is a major step in establishing the Irish group as a significant player in the branded household products market in Europe.

The move gives IWP control of well-known household brand names such as Bloo toilet flush and Parazone bleach as well as Jeyes Fluid and a much stronger position in the marketplace where it will be in a position to supply the full range of toilet care products.

Following the acquisition, the household products and distribution group should have annual turnover approaching £400 million while the acquisition will also yield substantial cost savings and synergies.

IWP estimates that it can extract savings of £3.8 million from the merger in the first year while broker forecasts for Jeyes range from £3.6 million to £3.9 million. As a result, Jeyes should add some £7.5 million to IWP's bottom line in the current year as well as contributing sales of £110 million and branded sales of £43 million.

Meanwhile, the company has laid good foundations for growth in other areas. Constance Carroll, the British cosmetics firm acquired last year, is performing strongly for the company despite the strength of sterling.