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.
