Mexborough and Swinton Times July 26, 1929

Baker-Bessemer

Kilnhurst Firm’s Offer Accepted.

The scheme for the absorption by John Baker and Co. Ltd., of Rotherham and Kilnhurst, of the old-established Sheffield steel firm of Henry Bessemer and Co. Ltd., has gone through, over ninety per cent, of Bessemer’s shareholders having accepted the offer of John Baker and Co. to purchase ordinary Bessemer shares at 4s. 6d. and preference shares at 11s.

Bakers’ will take over on September 1st, and as soon after that date as is practicable such plant as is required will be transferred from Bessemer’s to Kilnhurst. A proportion of Bessemers’ staff will also be transferred.

It is intended to bring a similar transfer of plant and personnel from Bakers’ own works at Brinsworth, and within the next two years John Baker and Co. will, it is expected, have concentrated all their production—possibly increased by other mergers—at Kilnhurst.

The full effect of the amalgamation already effected and others in contemplation will probably not be felt for some time. If there is a revival of the steel trade, Kilnhurst will become a very important centre and a considerable increase in local housing accommodation will be required.