FAMILY AND BUSINESS HISTORY

Author

THE FAMILY AND BUSINESS HISTORY

Maguire, Paterson & Palmer Ltd.: A Matchmaking Legacy (1919-1922)

A Brief History

The Maguire family's association with the match industry began in the 1840s through Collard, Kendall & Co. of Liverpool. This firm was later acquired by the Diamond Match Co. in 1895. Around 1900, Maguire, Miller Ltd. was established, taking over a match factory in Liverpool and subsequently building another in Leeds.

In 1919, a significant merger occurred, uniting Maguire, Miller Ltd. with Paterson & Co. Ltd. of Dublin and J. Palmer & Son of London to form Maguire, Paterson & Palmer Ltd. This new entity built a factory in Garston, Liverpool, on a site acquired through a controlling interest in R. Bell & Co. Ltd.

Expanding its reach, the company formed a Canadian subsidiary, Maguire, Paterson & Palmer (Canada) Ltd., to supply match splints to British factories. This subsidiary, along with Bryant and May and the Diamond Match Co. (U.S.A.), established the Canadian Match Co. Ltd. in 1922 to cater to the Canadian market.

Acquisition and Liquidation

Later in 1922, Bryant & May acquired Maguire, Paterson & Palmer Ltd., leading to its liquidation. However, the Dublin operations were assigned to a new company, Maguire & Paterson Ltd. Additionally, Maguire & Paterson (Belfast) Ltd. was founded in 1923 to serve the Ulster trade, later renamed Maguire & Paterson (N.I.) Ltd. in 1939. This company was eventually taken over by Bryant and May in 1959.

A non-trading company bearing the name Maguire, Paterson & Palmer Ltd. was also formed in 1923, marking the end of an era for this prominent match-making enterprise.

Administrative/Biographical Background

The Maguire family's deep-rooted connection to the match industry is evident in their involvement with various companies and mergers. Their legacy in match production, though ultimately absorbed by larger entities, played a significant role in the development of this essential household item.