UK Coatings Group Ltd, part of the Sheibani Group, has acquired UK coatings producer Thomas Howse Ltd based in Rowley Regis near Birmingham, UK. The acquisition forms part of the Group’s ongoing programme of work to develop its coatings business. The Group also owns another UK-based Coatings Company, T & R Williamson. Established in 1775, T & R Williamson holds the Royal Warrant and specialises in transport and specialist coatings. Sheibani Group includes Middle East-based Chemico Paints & Chemicals, a licensee of AkzoNobel. Financial terms have not been disclosed. The Sheibani Group is currently one of the largest privately-owned coatings companies in the Arabian Gulf and sees the acquisition as strengthening its UK presence and adding a powder coatings and general industrial producer to its existing portfolio.