Mexborough and Swinton Times June 28, 1929

Baker-Bessemer.

If the proposed merger of John Baker and Company with Henry Bessemer and Company is effected, as there is every reason to expect, there should result a valuable reinforcement of industry to this district, for it is an important feature of the offer which the Kilnhurst firm have made to their old and famous rivals that the whole business be concentrated at Kilnhurst where there are sites, premises, and plant adequate to deal with the combined output at a very considerable saving as compared with the aggregated costs of the two businesses independently run.

Bessemers’ shareholders are being offered attractive terms and have the choice of being bought out or brought in. They may sell their shares for cash or exchange for an equivalent holding in Bakers’.

In view of the fact that Bakers’ in a period of unprecedented depression have been able to pay dividends, while very few firms in the same branch of the industry could make any headway at all, the offer is one that Bessemer’s shareholders are not likely to decline. Indeed their directors have already accepted for themselves and recommend the shareholders to do the same

Bakers have made a bold move, but their policy has always been marked by a combination of prudence and courage, adventure and foresight. By a district which has few resources outside the coal industry the prospective enlargement of its steel trade is to be cordially welcomed.I need to