ULTIMATE Products has cemented its international capabilities with a swoop on a Hong Kong-based rival. Simon Showman, chief executive of the Oldham-based product sourcing company said the acquisition of Active Asia makes Ultimate a `truly global business'.

He said: "We're already strong in Europe but this deal gives us increased entry into the world's biggest consumer market, the US.

"We have been doing this deal for eight months and we're delighted to have completed it. It takes us closer towards our goal of £100m turnover."

Ultimate's chief operating officer Andy Gossage led the negotiations with Active Asia's management.

Active Asia will add sales of £27m to Ultimate's £60m turnover.

Active is a major supplier into the US market, and counts retailers including CVS and Bed, Bath and Beyond among its customers.

It specialises in household electrical items such as desk lamps, iPod docking systems and novelty items such as a flying alarm clock.

As well as the US, it sells into the Australian retail market and supplies Woolworths there.

Mr Showman, who spends a large proportion of his time in Hong Kong - where Ultimate has a huge 12,000 sq ft showroom displaying more than 20,000 products - said the general retail market remains tough, but Ultimate is holding its own.

"We have focused on the bigger retailers. In the last year we have really de-stocked the business as the market has tightened.

"The last few months has been an education, the market is tough, but all the guys have worked harder and been focused on the job."

He said many major retailers were turning to importers such as Ultimate, rather than source product direct from China themselves.

In 2005 the business was backed by private equity firm LDC in a £25m buyout. LDC made an investment for a 46 per cent share of the business.

The company was founded by Mr Showman and business partner Barry Franks.

Customers include: Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda, Morrisons, Rosebys, T J Hughes, Matalan, Superdrug, T K Maxx, House of Fraser and Debenhams.

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