Birmingham has emerged as a vibrant hub for private equity, attracting firms like LDC, Exponent Private Equity, and Inflexion Private Equity. These firms leverage the city’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and diverse talent pool to drive investment opportunities across multiple sectors. The Midlands’ economic landscape provides an ideal environment for private equity growth and innovation. Entrepreneurs and investors seeking to connect with like-minded professionals can explore our thriving community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
LDC (Lloyds Development Capital)
Investment Style: LDC specializes in mid-market private equity investments, primarily focusing on management buyouts, development capital, and equity release transactions across a range of sectors. They aim to support management teams in achieving growth and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: LDC’s portfolio includes companies such as Fishawack Health (healthcare communications), FC Business Intelligence (events and networking), and Pure Cottages Group (vacation rental agency).
Founding Date: 1981
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 90
Assets Under Management: Approximately £2.6 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Martin Draper, CEO: Leads the firm’s strategic direction and overall management, ensuring alignment with LDC’s long-term investment goals.
- Jonathan Caswell, Head of Midlands: Focuses on identifying and managing investment opportunities in the Midlands region.
- Chris Handy, Investment Director: Specializes in providing strategic guidance and support to portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- ByBox Holdings to Francisco Partners, a global private equity firm specializing in technology-enabled businesses.
- Clairus Group, a leading provider of auto glass repair and replacement services, to Driven Brands.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Love Energy Savings, a leading energy price comparison platform for businesses.
- Acquisition of a significant stake in Zip World, an operator of adventure tourism attractions in the UK.
Office Locations:
- Birmingham (Headquarters): One Colmore Row, Birmingham
- Additional Offices: London, Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Reading
Website: www.ldc.co.uk
Quote: “Our commitment to support management teams in achieving their growth aspirations remains at the core of what we do. We aim to be the partner of choice for ambitious businesses across the UK.” – Martin Draper, CEO
Exponent Private Equity
Investment Style: Exponent Private Equity focuses on acquiring and investing in companies with strong market positions and growth potential. Their strategy involves working closely with management teams to enhance operational efficiency and foster sustainable growth.
Portfolio Companies: Exponent’s portfolio includes companies such as Photobox Group (online photo services), Big Bus Tours (sightseeing tour operator), and HSS Hire Group (tool and equipment hire).
Founding Date: 2004
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately £3 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Hugh Richards, Partner: Focuses on identifying and executing investment opportunities, as well as overseeing portfolio company growth strategies.
- Nicola Rawlinson, Partner: Specializes in strategic development and value creation across Exponent’s portfolio companies.
Recent Exits:
- Pattonair, a leading provider of supply chain solutions to the aerospace industry, to Platinum Equity.
- The sale of Quorn Foods to Monde Nissin Corporation.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Wowcher, a leading daily deals website in the UK.
- Acquisition of The Ambassador Theatre Group, the world’s leading live theater company.
Office Locations:
- London (Headquarters): 30 Broadwick Street, London
- Additional Offices: Birmingham
Website: www.exponentpe.com
Quote: “We are committed to partnering with management teams to help businesses reach their full potential, driving long-term sustainable growth and value creation.” – Hugh Richards, Partner
Palatine Private Equity
Investment Style: Palatine Private Equity specializes in mid-market buyouts, with a focus on backing management teams in their efforts to drive transformational growth. They emphasize sustainable and socially responsible investing.
Portfolio Companies: Palatine’s portfolio includes companies such as TTC Group (driver risk management), Veincentre (vein treatment clinics), and Vernacare (infection control solutions).
Founding Date: 2005
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 30
Assets Under Management: Over £1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Gary Tipper, Managing Partner: Oversees strategic direction and investment activities, with a focus on driving value creation across portfolio companies.
- Beth Houghton, Partner & Head of Impact Fund: Leads the firm’s impact investing strategy, ensuring alignment with socially responsible investment objectives.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Westleigh Partnerships, a leading affordable homes provider, to Countryside Properties.
- Trade sale of Chase Templeton, a private medical insurance broker, to The Ardonagh Group.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Back2Work Group, a leading training and upskilling provider.
- Acquisition of a significant stake in Redsquid Communications, a business telecoms provider.
Office Locations:
- Manchester (Headquarters): 5th Floor, 1 New York Street, Manchester
- Additional Offices: Birmingham, London
Website: www.palatinepe.com
Quote: “Our focus on sustainable investing allows us to create value not only for our investors but also for society as a whole.” – Beth Houghton, Partner & Head of Impact Fund
Synova
Investment Style: Synova focuses on high-growth, lower mid-market companies across the UK. They specialize in sectors such as business services, technology, and healthcare, providing strategic guidance to accelerate growth.
Portfolio Companies: Synova’s portfolio includes businesses like Mintec (food commodity pricing data), Tonic Games Group (game development), and Meritsoft (financial software solutions).
Founding Date: 2007
Number of Investment Professionals: Around 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately £1.2 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- David Menton, Managing Partner: Plays a crucial role in shaping Synova’s investment strategy and fostering portfolio company growth.
- Philip Shapiro, Managing Partner: Focuses on driving value creation and strategic development within the firm’s investments.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from Style Analytics, a provider of factor-based portfolio and market analytics tools, to StatPro Group.
- Successful sale of Defaqto, a financial information and technology company, to SimplyBiz Group.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in 4Ways Healthcare, a leading provider of tele-radiology services.
- Acquisition of Avantis Systems, a provider of virtual reality and augmented reality education software.
Office Locations:
- London (Headquarters): 55 Wells Street, London
- Additional Offices: Birmingham
Website: www.synova-capital.com
Quote: “Our aim is to partner with ambitious management teams to help them build exceptional businesses.” – David Menton, Managing Partner
Gresham House
Investment Style: Gresham House focuses on alternative investments, including strategic equity, forestry, housing, infrastructure, and new energy. They aim to deliver sustainable investment solutions that generate long-term returns.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio is diverse, including businesses like Appian Asset Management (investment management), Hazel Capital (energy storage), and LMS (logistics management services).
Founding Date: 1857 (as a public company, private equity operations more recent)
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100 across various sectors
Assets Under Management: Approximately £7 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Anthony Dalwood, CEO: Directs the firm’s strategic vision and growth, leveraging years of experience in alternative investments.
- Rupert Robinson, Managing Director: Focuses on the development and execution of investment strategies across the firm.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of its stake in Rockwood Realisation, a forestry asset, to a private buyer.
- Exit from Solarcentury, a global solar energy company, to Statkraft.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to enhance sustainable energy solutions.
- Acquisition of a significant interest in a new sustainable housing development project.
Office Locations:
- London (Headquarters): Octagon Point, 5 Cheapside, London
- Additional Offices: Birmingham, Edinburgh, Dublin, Cardiff
Website: www.greshamhouse.com
Quote: “Our focus is on creating and managing alternative investments that deliver sustainable growth for our clients.” – Anthony Dalwood, CEO
Advent International
Investment Style: Advent International is known for its global approach to private equity, targeting large buyouts and growth equity investments across five core sectors: business and financial services, healthcare, industrial, retail, consumer, and leisure, and technology, media, and telecom.
Portfolio Companies: Advent’s portfolio includes companies like V.Group (maritime services), Sovos Brands (consumer packaged goods), and Zentiva (pharmaceuticals).
Founding Date: 1984
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 230
Assets Under Management: Over $100 billion globally
Key Investment Professionals:
- David Mussafer, Managing Partner & Co-Chairman: Oversees strategic initiatives and investment decisions across the firm.
- Tricia Glynn, Managing Director: Leads investments within consumer and retail sectors, driving growth and market expansion.
Recent Exits:
- Exit from Laird Limited, a provider of high-performance electromagnetic shielding, to DuPont.
- Sale of Zip, a global leader in payment solutions, to Sezzle.
Recent Investments:
- Acquisition of a majority stake in McAfee, a global cybersecurity company.
- Investment in AI-based software provider, Aareon AG, to enhance technological capabilities.
Office Locations:
- Boston (Headquarters): Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston Street, Boston
- Additional Offices: London, Birmingham, Frankfurt, Madrid, Mumbai, New York, Paris, São Paulo, Shanghai
Website: www.adventinternational.com
Quote: “Our global platform and sector-focused approach allow us to identify and create transformational value in our investments.” – David Mussafer, Managing Partner & Co-Chairman
Inflexion Private Equity
Investment Style: Inflexion focuses on partnering with high-growth, entrepreneurial businesses across a wide range of sectors, providing capital and expertise to drive significant growth and expansion, both organically and through acquisitions.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like Cawood Scientific (agricultural testing), K2 Partnering Solutions (technology staffing), and Virgin Experience Days (experience gifting).
Founding Date: 1999
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 80
Assets Under Management: Approximately £7 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Simon Turner, Managing Partner: Leads the firm’s growth strategy and investment activities, focusing on building long-term value.
- Christian Hamilton, Partner: Specializes in growth investments and strategic initiatives to accelerate portfolio company expansion.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Reed & Mackay, a corporate travel management company, to TripActions.
- Exit from UKFast, an IT hosting and cloud services provider, to a consortium of investors.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Times Higher Education, a global data provider for higher education.
- Acquisition of a controlling stake in Digital Wholesale Solutions, a technology distributor.
Office Locations:
- London (Headquarters): 47 Queen Anne Street, London
- Additional Offices: Manchester, Birmingham, Amsterdam
Website: www.inflexion.com
Quote: “Our partnership approach and sector expertise enable us to support ambitious businesses in achieving transformational growth.” – Simon Turner, Managing Partner
Phoenix Equity Partners
Investment Style: Phoenix Equity Partners focuses on investing in middle-market UK-based companies. Their strategy emphasizes working closely with management teams to drive growth through strategic initiatives and operational improvements.
Portfolio Companies: Phoenix’s portfolio includes companies like The Travel Chapter (vacation rental agency), 1177 (consumer water solutions), and Bridge Leisure Parks (holiday park operator).
Founding Date: 2001
Number of Investment Professionals: Approximately 30
Assets Under Management: Around £1.3 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- David Burns, Managing Partner: Focuses on leading investment strategy and fostering value creation within the portfolio.
- Matthew Tripathi, Partner: Specializes in executing growth strategies and improving portfolio company performance.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Nineteen Group, an independent exhibition business, to Providence Equity Partners.
- Exit from LK Bennett, a fashion retailer, to Byland UK.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Rayner Surgical Group, a manufacturer of ophthalmic implants and devices.
- Acquisition of a majority stake in Nexus Vehicle Rental, a technology-driven business mobility solutions provider.
Office Locations:
- London (Headquarters): 123 Victoria Street, London
- Additional Offices: Birmingham
Website: www.phoenix-equity.com
Quote: “We partner with businesses to deliver transformational growth and create lasting value for all stakeholders.” – David Burns, Managing Partner
Livingbridge
Investment Style: Livingbridge invests in fast-growing businesses across the UK and Australia, focusing on companies in sectors such as healthcare, education, consumer, and technology services. They are known for their flexible approach, supporting businesses through various stages of their growth journey.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes businesses like Symphony Ventures (robotic process automation), loveholidays (online travel agency), and Mobysoft (software solution provider).
Founding Date: 1995
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 40
Assets Under Management: Approximately £2.2 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Wol Kolade, Managing Partner: Oversees the firm’s strategic direction and investment activities, fostering long-term growth and impact.
- Matt Upton, Partner: Specializes in growth capital investments and strategic portfolio development.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Sykes Cottages, a leading UK holiday cottage rental agency, to Vitruvian Partners.
- Exit from Crew Clothing, a British clothing retailer, to Exponent Private Equity.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Connect Managed Services, a technology services provider.
- Acquisition of a stake in Giacom, a cloud services marketplace.
Office Locations:
- London (Headquarters): 2 More London Riverside, London
- Additional Offices: Birmingham, Manchester, Melbourne
Website: www.livingbridge.com
Quote: “Our flexible investment approach allows us to tailor our support to meet the unique needs of each business we partner with, ensuring sustainable growth.” – Wol Kolade, Managing Partner
Conclusion
Birmingham’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, presenting exciting opportunities for strategic business transformations. The firms in this region demonstrate remarkable adaptability and insight into regional economic dynamics. As the market matures, these entities will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping local and national economic growth.
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