Chemring buys Richmond

, based in Fareham, Hampshire, has bought

from a private individual for £11m.

Chemring is a specialist manufacturer of decoy countermeasures and energetic materials for the global defence, security and safety markets.

Richmond, based in Norfolk, is a manufacturer of disruptors and other equipment for the safe neutralisation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and unexploded ordnance. Richmond's patented recoilless disruptors fire a projectile or jet of water into the firing circuits of an IED to neutralise it without detonation, and can be fitted to even small bomb disposal robots using Richmond's precision aiming and mounting systems.

Richmond also manufactures IED search equipment and a range of tools for remote dismantling and neutralising unexploded ordnance.

According to Chemring, the acquisition of Richmond supports its strategy of building a strong presence in the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and IED defeat markets, and complements the EOD equipment and consumables produced by Chemring's current Energetics businesses. In addition, Richmond has strong relationships with the leading suppliers of bomb disposal robots, which adds a new channel to market for the company's products.

David Price, chief executive of Chemring, said: 'The acquisition of Richmond is another important step in the planned development of our EOD business. The company supplies vital technology to EOD end users and robot manufacturers which enables the safe, remote neutralisation of IEDs and unexploded ordnance. The growing global IED threat and creation of new military and homeland security bomb disposal teams will further extend the opportunity for our range of EOD products over the next few years.’