Leeds, 30 September 2026 – Debrett’s has advised the shareholders of WhiteSpider Enterprise Services Limited (“WhiteSpider”), a digital transformation and IT services company, on its sale to AUREOS Group.
The acquisition strengthens AUREOS Group’s digital solutions capabilities, supporting its delivery of innovative services to customers across the critical national infrastructure sector.
AUREOS Group and WhiteSpider have worked together over the past year, building a successful partnership and delivering benefits to their customers. The acquisition builds on that relationship, bringing WhiteSpider’s digital expertise into the group to help customers develop digitally resilient businesses equipped for current and future demands.
The transaction illustrates the increasing overlap between infrastructure services and digital technology, as customers seek partners able to support both their physical infrastructure and the digital systems that underpin its operation.
Phil Lees, Founder and CEO of WhiteSpider, commented:
“I’m very excited to announce this deal which is a milestone moment for the company. I am really looking forward to driving WhiteSpider forward within the AUREOS Group and providing services to our collective clients.
I’d also like to thank all our advisers who have worked on this deal and been amazing to work with.”
James England, Managing Partner at Debrett’s, commented:
“We are delighted to have advised on this deal. Phil has built an amazing business with some incredible IP - success is entirely deserved. I hope AUREOS provides a good home for WhiteSpider and gives a platform for even more success.”
The Debrett’s advisory team comprised James England, Director Chris King and Executive Seb Rowlands.
Other advisers to the shareholders included Browne Jacobson (Ryan Brown) and Parisi Tax (Lisa Stevenson).
About Debrett’s
Debrett’s is a professional services group specialising in Advisory, Wealth Management and Investments.
Debrett’s advisory team provides corporate finance, M&A and debt advisory services to entrepreneurs, management teams, corporates and investors. Combining deep sector expertise with an extensive network of relationships across the UK and internationally, the team provides senior-led advice throughout the transaction lifecycle.
London, 30 September 2026 – Debrett’s has advised the shareholders and management team of Tandem Property Asset Management (“Tandem”), a UK property and asset management business, on its investment from the Audria Group (“Audria”), the international real estate services group established by Swedish investors Pejoni and Fidelio Capital.
The transaction marks Audria’s entry into the UK market, providing a platform for its planned expansion and support for Tandem’s next phase of growth.
Founded in 2017, Tandem has built a strong position in the UK market, combining deep property expertise with a hands-on, entrepreneurial approach and a clear focus on its customers. Headquartered in London and with a presence in six cities across the UK, the business comprises 108 professionals and is led by co-CEOs John Jones and Lisa Riva.
Tandem’s core services cover asset and property management, financial management, ESG and destination marketing. Its clients include M7 Real Estate, Martley Capital Group, Frarran, XLB, Cube RE and Eric Wright Group.
Tandem becomes the fifth company to join Audria, alongside Newsec, Novier, Sveaviken and Avy. Audria’s existing businesses bring together more than 2,600 professionals across the Nordics and Baltics, managing real estate assets totalling more than €100 billion.
Joining Audria brings new opportunities for Tandem to develop its business, invest in technology and innovation and draw on the capabilities and expertise of a growing international group. Tandem will continue to operate under its own brand and management team, backed by Audria’s scale and resources.
John Jones, co-CEO of Tandem, commented:
“We are very positive about the future and excited to be joining Audria. We have built Tandem around our people, our customers and our entrepreneurial approach, and we believe Audria shares our long-term perspective. Becoming part of Audria gives us new opportunities to develop the business while continuing to build on the strengths that have made Tandem successful.”
“Clive, Will and Adam at Debrett’s have been a tremendous support throughout the transaction. Their practical advice, attention to detail put us in the strongest position with Audria and their calm approach throughout the process guided us to a successful completion. Having them on board allowed us to stay focused on our clients and the day-to-day running of Tandem.,
Lisa Riva, co-CEO of Tandem, said:
“There is a strong fit between Tandem and Audria, both in terms of our approach to the market and our ambitions for the future. Joining a growing European group gives us access to new perspectives, expertise and capabilities, while allowing us to continue developing Tandem and our offering in the UK.”
Björn Annwall, CEO of Audria, added:
“We are very pleased to welcome Tandem to Audria. This marks a significant milestone in our international development and establishes Audria in the UK for the first time. The UK is an important and dynamic real estate market, and Tandem gives us a strong local presence and a platform for further growth. Expanding into new markets is an important part of our strategy. We believe the strength of Audria comes from combining local expertise and relationships with the opportunities that come from being part of a broader group. With Tandem joining us, we can start building those connections in the UK while also creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing and collaboration across our markets.”
Clive Hatchard, Head of Advisory at Debrett’s, commented:
“John, Lisa and their team have built an exceptional business, with strong client relationships and a clear ambition for its future. Audria brings the international experience, technology and backing to support that ambition, while preserving the people and entrepreneurial approach that has made Tandem successful.
“It has been a pleasure working with the shareholders and management team to deliver this transaction. Tandem provides Audria with an excellent platform for its entry into the UK, and we look forward to seeing the business continue to grow as part of the group.”
The Debrett’s advisory team comprised Clive Hatchard, Head of Advisory, Will Mason and Adam England. Legal advice to the shareholders and management team was provided by Adam Dowdney and Harriet Jones of Knights, with tax advice from Rebecca Jones, Paul Miller and Harry Cook of Dains.
Eight Advisory and Osborne Clarke were engaged by Fidelio to undertake due diligence and advise on the transaction.
The transaction builds on the Debrett’s advisory team’s extensive experience across the property management sector. Its collective track record includes Centrick’s partnership with PHM Group, IFOS Group’s significant minority investment from MML Capital Partners and the sales of Encore Estate Management, Vegner Group and Trinity Property Group to Odevo.
About Debrett’s
Debrett’s is a professional services group specialising in Advisory, Wealth Management and Investments.
Debrett’s advisory team provides corporate finance, M&A and debt advisory services to entrepreneurs, management teams, corporates and investors. Combining deep sector expertise with an extensive network of relationships across the UK and internationally, the team provides senior-led advice throughout the transaction lifecycle.
Leeds, 21 September 2026: Debrett’s has advised Foresight Group (“Foresight”), a leading regional private equity and real assets investment manager, on its £12 million investment into Automotive & Industrial Consumables Limited (“AIC”), supporting a management buyout and the Company’s next phase of growth.
AIC is a leading importer and distributor of automotive, electrical and industrial consumable products, supplying over 6,100 products to more than 5,500 customers across the UK, Europe and the USA.
Based in Leeds, AIC serves the automotive aftermarket, electrical installation, construction and general industrial sectors. AIC has built a leading market position through long-standing supplier relationships, broad product availability and high levels of customer service. The Company has a diversified customer base, recurring demand and established international sourcing capabilities.
The investment will support the next stage of AIC's development, including further investment in sales and marketing, website optimisation, product expansion and enhanced use of data and AI-driven analytics.
The management buyout will be led by the existing senior management team, headed by Prakash Patel, Managing Director, Jake Bury, Finance Director, Neil Hodson, Sales Director, and Raj Patel, Procurement Director. Foresight will work closely with the management team to help accelerate growth, increase market share and drive operational improvements.
As part of the investment, Andrew Wakelin will join the business as Chair. Andrew brings more than 35 years' experience in industrial distribution, most recently as Group Operations Director at Aspen Pumps, a private equity-backed industrial distributor. He has significant expertise supporting operational improvement and growth, including international expansion.
Prakash Patel, Managing Director of AIC, said:
“The management team has been driving the business for many years and is excited to take this next step. With Foresight's backing, we can invest behind a clear growth strategy, strengthen our market position and unlock opportunities that were previously out of reach.”
Richard Ralph, Investment Director at Foresight Group, commented:
“AIC combines many of the qualities we look for – a strong management team, highly recurring revenue, excellent cash generation and a market-leading position from which it can grow further. We believe there is significant opportunity to accelerate growth through entering new product and geographic markets, and are excited to support Prakash, Jake, Raj and Neil as they deliver the next chapter of the business's development.
“Debrett’s provided excellent support throughout the transaction. Their commercial approach, responsiveness and understanding of both the business and the deal dynamics helped us navigate the process efficiently, and we greatly valued having them alongside us.”
Ed Shurville-Darlington, Senior Director at Debrett’s, commented:
“AIC is a fantastic business with a strong market position, an impressive management team and plenty of opportunity ahead of it. It has been a real pleasure working with Richard and the Foresight team on the transaction, and we’re delighted to have helped them complete this investment.
“There is a great fit between Foresight and the management team, and we’re excited to see what they can achieve together as they take AIC into its next phase of growth.”
Debrett’s provided corporate finance advice to Foresight throughout the transaction. The Debrett’s team was led by Ed Shurville-Darlington.
The transaction further demonstrates Debrett’s experience advising private equity investors and management teams on transactions across the UK mid-market.
About Debrett’s
Debrett’s is a professional services group specialising in Advisory, Wealth Management and Investments.
Debrett’s advisory team provides corporate finance, M&A and debt advisory services to entrepreneurs, management teams, corporates and investors. Combining deep sector expertise with an extensive network of relationships across the UK and internationally, the team provides senior-led advice throughout the transaction lifecycle.
UK, 10 September 2026 - Debrett’s has advised Organica UK on its strategic combination with Holiferm, bringing together two British businesses at the forefront of biotechnology and bio-based production.
The combination creates an end-to-end platform spanning ingredient innovation, formulation, product manufacturing and commercialisation, with Sadorp continuing as an integral commercial partner to the combined business.
Holiferm & Organica UK combine to accelerate global biotech innovation and commercialisation.
Holiferm and Organica UK have announced a strategic combination, strengthened by a continued partnership with Sadorp. The transaction brings together Holiferm’s biosurfactant innovation and manufacturing with Organica’s formulation and finished-product capability, creating a combined business spanning ingredient development, advanced applications, product manufacturing, and commercialisation.
The transaction brings together two British leaders in biotechnology and bio-based production, combining deep science with commercial and finished product capability to accelerate biomanufacturing as one of the defining growth industries of the coming decade. By coming together, Holiferm and Organica are demonstrating renewed strength for the sector, boosting the global availability of sustainable cost effective and high-performance alternatives to fossil-based chemistry.
The combination blends Organica’s formulation of biodegradable and non-hazardous cleaning products with Holiferm’s nature-derived biosurfactant technology to create an end-to-end platform that gives global customers access to science and ingredient innovation, and product development and manufacturing.
Holiferm develops and manufactures nature-derived biosurfactants using proprietary fermentation technology, with research, development, and commercial manufacturing in the North West of England. Organica formulates and manufactures biodegradable, non-hazardous household and cleaning products for established UK and international brands.
The two businesses have worked side by side since 2023 and will continue to operate from adjacent sites, giving them room to expand production, accelerate joint innovation, and pursue new growth opportunities together.
Sadorp remains an integral commercial partner to the combined business, bringing established retailer relationships and commercialisation expertise that strengthen the route from product to shelf.
Charles Dimmler, CEO of Holiferm, commented: “This is a milestone as we aim to build an iconic 21st century biochemical company that develops, manufactures and commercialises novel performance ingredients that are better for people and the planet. This strategic combination accelerates our path to profitability and expands our ability to serve customers and partners with real applications development capability. It shows the link between science, engineering and product development all the way through to store shelves. At a time like this, that’s a signal I want the whole industry to see: we are very excited for the Holiferm, Organica and Sadorp teams to work even more closely, and we look forward to the innovation we’ll deliver as a unified business.”
Chris Arthur, Owner of Organica UK, added: “I am very proud of what we have built at Organica over the last 28 years, and this strategic combination marks an exciting new chapter for the business. Joining forces with Holiferm allows us to combine our heritage in high-quality formulation with their groundbreaking biomanufacturing technology. It is a natural partnership that provides our customers with even better, more sustainable cleaning solutions, while maintaining the trusted service and relationships they have come to expect.”
Clive Hatchard, Head of Advisory at Debrett’s, commented:
“Organica is an impressive business that Chris and the team have built over nearly three decades, with deep expertise in formulation and manufacturing and long-standing relationships with its customers. Bringing that capability together with Holiferm’s innovative biosurfactant technology creates a compelling combination, with a clear opportunity to accelerate innovation and commercialise sustainable products at scale.
“We are delighted to have advised Chris and the Organica team on this important next chapter for the business and look forward to seeing what the combined team can achieve.”
Organica was advised by Debrett’s and Franklins; Holiferm was advised by Brown Rudnick.
About Debrett’s
Debrett’s advises entrepreneurs, founder-led businesses, management teams and investors on company sales, acquisitions, management buyouts, growth capital and debt advisory. Combining Debrett’s heritage with modern corporate finance expertise, the team delivers senior-led advice to clients across the UK and Europe.
Jennifer Lin joins as Partner and Head of Technology alongside Senior Director Alex Saguez
London, 8 September 2026 – Debrett’s, the independent UK mid-market corporate finance adviser, has launched a dedicated Technology practice with the appointment of Jennifer Lin as Partner and Head of Technology and Alex Saguez as Senior Director, strengthening the firm’s sector expertise and international M&A capability.
Jennifer brings more than 17 years’ experience in technology M&A and corporate finance, having completed more than 30 mid-market transactions with an aggregate enterprise value exceeding £3 billion. She has advised founders, corporates and private equity investors on transactions across the UK and Europe, North America and Asia.
Her transaction experience includes working with global corporates such as Vertiv, Ericsson, Fortinet, Viva.com and Singtel, and with investors including Advent, CVC, TA and Sequoia.
Alex joins from KPMG’s TMT M&A practice and brings more than a decade of experience across M&A and private equity. He previously worked at CBPE Capital and PwC and specialises in technology and technology-enabled services, including vertical software, digital transformation, data analytics and AI.
Together, Jennifer and Alex will build Debrett’s Technology practice, advising founders, shareholders, corporates and private equity investors on M&A and strategic growth opportunities. The team will combine deep sector knowledge with international buyer and investor relationships, with particular expertise across AI and data, software, IT and technology services, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.
Clive Hatchard, Head of Advisory at Debrett’s, commented:
“Technology is a natural area for us to invest in as we continue to expand the Advisory business. Jennifer has an exceptional track record and the experience and relationships to build a significant practice, and Alex’s sector expertise and transaction background across both M&A and private equity makes him a great addition to the team.
“We’re delighted to have them both at Debrett’s and excited about what they can execute together.”
Jennifer Lin, Partner and Head of Technology at Debrett’s, said:
“Technology M&A is increasingly global and, for founders and shareholders, achieving the best outcome often means looking well beyond the obvious buyers and starting the preparation long before a transaction is contemplated. For private equity investors, it means understanding where value is being created and having access to the right businesses and management teams. Alex and I would be glad to speak with companies at all stages about where we can add value.
“That’s the opportunity we see for Debrett’s. We want to build a Technology team that really understands these markets, articulates positioning and value drivers, connects clients with the right buyers and investors globally, and ultimately helps them achieve better outcomes.”
Alex Saguez, Senior Director at Debrett’s, added:
“Having worked in both M&A advisory and private equity, I’ve seen transactions from both sides of the table. It has given me a good understanding of what investors are looking for and what management teams need when they are navigating an important transaction.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Jennifer and the wider Debrett’s team, bringing that perspective to our clients and helping build the Technology practice.”
The launch forms part of Debrett’s continued investment in its Advisory business, building deeper sector expertise alongside its M&A, debt advisory and strategic advisory capabilities across the UK mid-market.
Debrett’s advises entrepreneurs, founder-led businesses, management teams and investors on company sales, acquisitions, management buyouts, growth capital and debt advisory. Combining Debrett’s heritage with modern corporate finance expertise, the team delivers senior-led advice to clients across the UK and Europe. We design bespoke capital and M&A solutions for each of our client companies and private equity investors.
London, 30 July 2026 – Debrett's has advised the shareholders of IFOS Group ("IFOS"), one of the UK's largest independent residential block management businesses, on securing a significant minority investment from international mid-market investor, MML Capital Partners ("MML"), to support the next phase of its growth strategy. FRP also acted as joint financial adviser on the transaction.
Founded in 2000, IFOS has grown into one of the UK's leading independent managing agents through a combination of organic expansion and acquisitions. The Group operates through its established Urang and Warwick Estates brands and manages over 65,000 residential units across the UK. The business employs more than 450 people across the UK and South Africa and provides residential block management alongside a broad range of value-added property services.
MML will partner with Founder and Executive Chairman, Paul Cleaver, and Group CEO, Emma Power, as the business continues to build its national platform through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
With MML's investment and under the continued leadership of Paul and Emma, IFOS is well positioned to build upon its reputation for market-leading client service, continue growing organically, expand its range of ancillary services and accelerate consolidation within the highly fragmented UK residential block management market.
Tom Biddle, Partner in MML's Enterprise Fund, commented:
"We are delighted to be partnering with Paul, Emma and the wider IFOS team. IFOS rightly enjoys an excellent reputation in residential block management and has demonstrated a strong track record of combining organic growth with successful acquisitions. As one of the UK's leading independent managing agents, the Group is well positioned to benefit from increasing demand for high-quality property management services and continued consolidation across the sector. We look forward to supporting the management team as they continue to build a national platform."
Paul Cleaver, Founder and Executive Chairman of IFOS Group, added:
"This investment marks an important milestone for IFOS. We were looking for a partner that shared our long-term ambition for the business and understood both our market and our culture. MML's collaborative approach and experience supporting founder-led businesses made them the right fit. Together we are well placed to continue investing in our people, expanding our service offering and pursuing attractive acquisition opportunities as we build one of the UK's leading independent block management groups.
I would also like to thank Clive Hatchard and the team at Debrett’s for their guidance and support throughout the process. Their advice and stewardship of the transaction enabled us to remain focused on running the business while delivering an optimal outcome for shareholders."
Clive Hatchard, Head of Advisory at Debrett’s, led the transaction on behalf of the firm, supported by Richard Boyden and Chris King. Debrett’s worked closely with the shareholders throughout the process to identify the right long‑term investment partner for the business.
Clive Hatchard commented:
"IFOS has built an exceptional business with a strong reputation, an experienced management team and a proven growth strategy. This investment provides the Group with the ideal platform to accelerate its long-term ambitions, combining access to growth capital with the strategic support of an experienced investment partner. We are delighted to have advised the shareholders on this important transaction and look forward to seeing the business continue its impressive growth journey."
About Debrett's
Debrett's is a leading UK mid-market corporate finance adviser, partnering with entrepreneurs, founders, management teams and investors to deliver exceptional outcomes across mergers and acquisitions, strategic advisory and debt advisory.
Combining decades of transactional experience with the heritage and trusted reputation of the Debrett's brand, Debrett's Advisory provides commercially focused advice and execution to ambitious businesses throughout every stage of their growth journey, helping clients realise long-term value through strategic transactions.
The transaction reflects Debrett's continued commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, founder-led businesses and management teams on transformational transactions across the UK mid-market.
Joint Financial Advisers to IFOS Group: Debrett's and FRP Advisory
Legal Adviser to IFOS Group: Shoosmiths (Kiran Dhesi)
The MML deal team comprised Tom Biddle (Partner), Mani Minhas (Investment Director) and Georgia Freeman (Investment Associate).
MML was advised by MWS (Legal), Grant Thornton (Financial Due Diligence), GCS (Commercial Due Diligence), Crawford McMillan (Data Readiness), Sustainable Advantage (ESG), Crosslake (Cyber), and Outside In (Political Due Diligence).
About Debrett's
Debrett's is a leading UK mid-market corporate finance adviser, partnering with entrepreneurs, founders, management teams and investors to deliver exceptional outcomes across mergers and acquisitions, strategic advisory and debt advisory.
Combining decades of transactional experience with the heritage and trusted reputation of the Debrett's brand, Debrett's Advisory provides commercially focused advice and execution to ambitious businesses throughout every stage of their growth journey, helping clients realise long-term value through strategic transactions.
The UK energy transition is driving a significant period of investment and M&A activity across the infrastructure market, with growing appetite from both strategic acquirers and private equity for high-quality businesses operating across the sector.
Debrett’s latest Energy Transition: Infrastructure M&A Report explores the key forces shaping the market, where transaction activity is taking place, the characteristics attracting buyers and investors, and the valuation dynamics we are seeing across the sector.
The report also looks at the structural growth drivers underpinning the market, including grid expansion, renewables integration, electrification and the increasing digitalisation of infrastructure.
Debrett’s is a partner-led advisory business supporting founders, management teams and investors on M&A, fundraising and strategic advice. Our infrastructure team has experience across energy, transport, telecoms & utilities, the built environment and digital infrastructure, with particular expertise across contracting, engineering and infrastructure services businesses.
If any of the themes in the report resonate with your business, or you would like to discuss what we are seeing in the market and what it could mean for your business, we would be very happy to have an informal and confidential conversation.
BIRMINGHAM, 24 August 2026 — Debrett's has advised the shareholders of Forge Care Limited, a specialist provider of trauma-informed residential care for children based in the West Midlands, on the sale of a majority stake in the business to Endurance Capital.
Forge Care was founded by the Miller family and latterly supported by an equity investment from Future Planet Capital, Forge Care has established a strong reputation for delivering high-quality therapeutic residential care through its purpose-built campus, The Forge, in Warwickshire. The site comprises four Ofsted-registered children's homes, providing up to 24 placements supported by integrated therapeutic services.
The investment marks an important milestone in Forge Care's development, providing additional capital to support the next phase of growth, including the roll out and development of more homes. Gavin and Ryan Miller will continue to play key leadership roles alongside Managing Director Adam Wells, ensuring continuity for colleagues, local authority partners and the children in the company's care.
Gavin Miller, Director of Forge Care, said:
"Since we began building The Forge, our ambition has always been to create an environment where vulnerable children receive the highest standard of therapeutic care and support. We are incredibly proud of what the team has achieved, and Endurance Capital shares our long-term commitment to that vision. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership creates for the future and would like to thank the Debrett's Advisory team for their guidance and dedication throughout the transaction."
Martin Poole, Partner at Debrett's, said:
"Forge Care has built an outstanding reputation in a highly specialised and important area of the care sector. The business combines exceptional outcomes with a scalable operating model, making it an attractive investment opportunity. The Forge is an outstanding purpose-built facility, designed to deliver premium-quality properties and services for vulnerable children. We are delighted to have advised the shareholders on a transaction that delivers succession for the founding family while providing the investment required to support Forge Care's next stage of growth."
The Debrett's corporate finance advisory team was led by Partner Martin Poole, supported by Harveer Gill, Senior Principal, and Seb Rowlands, Executive.
Legal advice to the shareholders was provided by Higgs LLP, with tax advice from Edwards. The transaction was supported by debt funding from Rand Merchant Bank, the corporate and investment division of the FirstRand Group
Advisers to Endurance Capital included Browne Jacobson (legal), Alantra (Corporate Finance), Connell Consulting (commercial due diligence), Moore Kingston Smith (tax due diligence) and financial due diligence undertaken by Cooper Parry. Eversheds Sutherland advised lender Rand Merchant Bank.
About Forge Care
Forge Care is a specialist provider of trauma-informed residential care for children and young people aged 6–18. Founded by the Miller family, the business operates The Forge, a purpose-built therapeutic community in North Warwickshire comprising four Ofsted-registered children's homes. Forge Care works in partnership with local authorities across the UK to deliver high-quality residential care supported by integrated therapeutic services.
About Debrett's
Debrett's advises entrepreneurs, founder-led businesses, management teams and investors on company sales, acquisitions, management buyouts, growth capital and debt advisory. Combining Debrett's heritage with modern corporate finance expertise, the team delivers senior-led advice to clients across the UK.
London, 21 August 2026 – Debrett’s has strengthened its team with the appointment of Jack Sanders as Director, working across both its advisory and investments teams as the Group continues to build its M&A and investment capabilities.
Jack brings more than nine years’ experience working with corporates and SMEs, combining M&A expertise with a background in corporate strategy and operational improvement. He has advised across a range of sectors, including retail, consumer, industrials and energy, with particular experience in complex and carve-out transactions.
In his new role, Jack will work alongside the advisory team on M&A and strategic assignments, supporting business owners, management teams and corporates through transactions and key strategic decisions.
He will also play an active role within the investments team, helping to originate and assess new investment opportunities and working alongside management teams within the portfolio to support growth and value creation.
James England, Managing Partner at Debrett’s, commented:
“Jack is a fantastic addition to Debrett’s. He brings a strong combination of transaction experience, strategic thinking and hands-on operational expertise, which makes him particularly well suited to a role spanning both advisory and investments.
As we continue to build both areas of the business, Jack will add further depth to our M&A capability while also playing an important role in identifying new investment opportunities and supporting our portfolio businesses. We’re delighted to have him on board.”
The appointment forms part of the continued growth of Debrett’s and its investment in experienced professionals who can bring both advisory and investment expertise to the Group.
The Debrett’s advisory team provides M&A, debt advisory and strategic advice to founders, shareholders, management teams and corporates across the UK, while the investments team invests in and supports ambitious businesses through their next phase of growth.
The wider Debrett’s Group operates across Advisory, Heritage, Coaching and Investments, and has entered Wealth Management through its strategic partnership with London-based financial planners Mulberry Bow.
The Group is chaired by Darryl Eales and advised by Richard Sanders, Richard Swann and Andrew Blazye, bringing extensive experience across investment, private equity and professional services.
Birmingham, 19 August – Debrett's has advised the shareholders of Notul Limited ("Mway Comms"), a leading provider of specialist technology infrastructure solutions to the UK’s Highways sector, on the sale of the business to Equans’ Digital & Energy Services Division.
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, Mway Comms installs and maintains critical technology & communications assets across the UK's strategic road network. Under Stephen Crawford and Lee Day’s stewardship from 2017, its innovative approach to self-delivering asset maintenance, traffic signals, lighting and vehicle detection, led to the Business becoming a key supplier to National Highways across multiple frameworks.
Equans, part of Bouygues Group, is a global leader in energy and services, delivering integrated technical, digital and facilities solutions to public and private sector clients. The acquisition further strengthens its transport infrastructure capabilities in the UK.
The shareholders of Mway Comms appointed Debrett's due to the Infrastructure team's recent and relevant experience within Transport, having seen the value previously delivered to shareholders and investors within the space. Debrett’s identified the key buyers in the growing Highway’s sector and moved swiftly to position the growing business and find an optimal structure for the shareholders. Equans was selected having recognised the growth delivered by the shareholders, as well as the future potential of the business and its people to continue delivering critical infrastructure services.
Commenting on the transaction, Stephen Crawford, Founder and CEO of Mway Communications, said:
"This transaction marks an important milestone for Mway Comms and secures the right long-term home for our business, our people and our clients. Debrett's provided outstanding advice throughout the process, combining genuine sector expertise with a highly commercial approach. Their guidance and commitment helped navigate a complex transaction and identify the right partner for the next stage of our growth."
James England, Partner at Debrett's, added:
"We are delighted to have advised the shareholders of Mway. The business has established an outstanding reputation in the UK's Highways sector, making it an attractive strategic acquisition. Finding a buyer that recognised both the quality of the business and the strength of its culture was critical. This is our sixth infrastructure services transaction in recent months and shows both our expertise and the interest in this market."
The Debrett's team comprised Infrastructure leads James England and Sebastian Rowlands, with support from Will Mason and Zoe Hacking.
Other advisers included:
Debrett’s combines its centuries-old heritage with a modern advisory platform spanning M&A, investments and executive coaching, offering founders, entrepreneurs and private clients a complete suite of services to support every stage of their personal and business journeys.
The firm is guided by a board including Darryl Eales, former chief executive of LDC; Richard Swann, partner at Inflexion and chair of its investment committee; and Richard Sanders, co-founder of Catalyst Corporate Finance (now Alantra). This leadership places Debrett’s at the heart of the UK’s mid-market dealmaking community.
