Both companies had one thing in common in that they were designed by the late Len Newman. C&L were first known as K&L, Len sold the business off years ago, Exactoscale was born and Funded by the late Andrew Jukes with Len Newman designing the system including the P4 track company kits). Coming back to the hobby in the noughties C&L was in the control of Brian Lewis and Exactoscale was distributed by Len Newman
C&L was then brought by Peter Lewellyn and he offered a near next day delivery service, later he took over the distribution of Exactoscale products, sadly despite Pete's best efforts he decided to sell the business on after his health got a bit worse. Issues selling the business off C&L nearly disappeared, except for Phil Reid stepping in at the last moment
Since Phil took over against all the odds Phil designed and replaced most of the tooling and has increased the range
Andrew Dukes took back control of Exactoscale distribution, then decided to let the Scalefour society in conjunction with the EMGS took over distribution of the 4mm products and the Scale 7 group distribute the 7mm products
I understand upon Andrews death ownership of the range(s) has passed to the afore mentioned groups
Thankfully both ranges (C&L and Exactoscale) are in safe hands, but seemingly on slightly different paths