Zenith Hygiene Group has agreed to acquire CCL Pentasol, which specialises in cleaning and disinfection chemicals for the food, drink and dairy industries.

Based in Merseryside, CCL Pentasol employs 55 people and generated sales of £8.3m in the year to 31 August 2015.

Zenith said the deal would allow it to enter new markets such as water treatment, food, dairy, brewing and pharmaceutical.

The transaction will be funded through the group’s balance sheet following the new £13.9m funding package from Santander Corporate & Commercial secured in April 2016.

CCL Pentasol MD Alex MacDonald will join the Zenith Hygiene board, with the deal expected to complete by the end of June.

Zenith CEO Ringo Francis said: “The acquisition will open Zenith Hygiene to new markets, strengthening our position in the food and beverage industries, and provide significant growth opportunities for the business.

“Going forward, we will continue to look for opportunities to acquire businesses like CCL Pentasol which will drive meaningful growth for the future.”

Alex MacDonald added: “Zenith Hygiene is one of the most respected independent manufacturers and suppliers of cleaning and hygiene chemicals and products in the UK, and we are very excited to be joining Ringo and his team. We’re confident that together we will continue to drive value for customers, partners and our employees in the UK.”

Hertfordshire-headquartered Zenith has more than 3,200 customers across healthcare, hospitality, leisure and facilities management, including JD Wetherspoon, Nando’s and Arora Hotels. It was named as one of the ‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ in the third edition of annual report by the London Stock Exchange in February.