Manchester has emerged as a thriving hub for private equity firms, with powerhouses like Inflexion Private Equity Partners, Palatine Private Equity, and NorthEdge establishing strong regional roots. These firms leverage Manchester’s robust talent pool, strategic location, and dynamic business ecosystem to drive investment strategies across diverse sectors. From technology to healthcare, these private equity leaders are transforming regional economic landscapes. For professionals seeking deeper insights and networking opportunities, explore the private equity community at alexejpikovsky.com/community.
Inflexion Private Equity Partners
Investment Style: Inflexion specializes in both minority and majority investments in high-growth, entrepreneurial businesses. They offer flexible funding solutions and strategic support to accelerate growth, with a focus on sectors such as technology, healthcare, and business services.
Portfolio Companies: Inflexion’s portfolio includes companies like Reed & Mackay (business travel), K2 Partnering Solutions (staffing services), and Ocorian (financial services).
Founding Date: 1999
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 100
Assets Under Management: Approximately £7 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Simon Turner, Managing Partner: Plays a crucial role in driving Inflexion’s strategic direction and investment activities across various sectors.
- John Hartz, Managing Partner: Focuses on the firm’s growth strategy and has been instrumental in several successful investments and exits.
- Catherine Richards, Partner: Leads investments in the financial services sector, leveraging her extensive industry knowledge to create value.
Recent Exits:
- Reed & Mackay sold to TripActions, enhancing its global reach in the business travel sector.
- Succession Wealth acquired by Aviva, marking a strategic expansion in financial advisory services.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Digital Wholesale Solutions, a leading provider of digital infrastructure services.
- Partnership with Phenna Group to support its growth and international expansion in the testing, inspection, and certification sector.
Office Locations:
- Manchester : 60 Fountain Street, Manchester
- Additional Offices: London, Amsterdam, São Paulo, Shanghai, Bangalore
Website: www.inflexion.com
Quote: “At Inflexion, our approach is to provide more than just capital; we partner with management teams to help businesses reach their full potential.” – Simon Turner, Managing Partner
Palatine Private Equity
Investment Style: Palatine specializes in UK mid-market private equity investments, focusing on buyouts and growth capital for businesses with strong management teams. They have a keen interest in sustainable and impact investing, targeting sectors such as healthcare, financial services, and technology.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like tradeSkills4U (electrical training), TTC Group (road safety), and Estio Training (apprenticeship training).
Founding Date: 2005
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately £1.5 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Beth Houghton, Partner and Head of Impact Fund: Leads the firm’s impact investment initiatives, focusing on businesses that deliver social and environmental benefits.
- Andy Lees, Partner: Has extensive experience in healthcare investments, contributing to the firm’s success in this sector.
Recent Exits:
- Acquisition of WHP Telecoms by Equistone Partners Europe.
- Sale of MoneyPlus Group to Intriva Capital, bolstering its financial services portfolio.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Back2Work Group, a leading provider of adult education and training services.
- Acquisition of The Protein Works, a premium sports nutrition brand.
Office Locations:
- Manchester (Headquarters): 82 King Street, Manchester
- Additional Offices: London, Birmingham
Website: www.palatinepe.com
Quote: “Palatine is committed to making a positive impact through our investments, supporting businesses that drive innovation and sustainability.” – Beth Houghton, Partner and Head of Impact Fund
LDC (Lloyds Development Capital)
Investment Style: LDC focuses on partnering with ambitious management teams to support mid-market business growth through management buyouts, development capital, and equity release. They target a wide range of sectors including industrials, services, and retail.
Portfolio Companies: LDC’s portfolio includes companies such as Zip World (outdoor adventure), Fishawack Health (healthcare communications), and Texthelp (assistive technology).
Founding Date: 1981
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 90
Assets Under Management: Approximately £2 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- John Garner, Head of New Business: Oversees the origination and execution of new investments, with a keen focus on growth sectors.
- Chris Hurley, Chief Executive: Manages LDC’s strategic direction and operations across the UK.
- Jonathan Bell, Investment Director: Specializes in technology investments, leveraging his expertise to drive the firm’s growth in this area.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Stroma Group to RSK Group, expanding its environmental services capabilities.
- Exit from Babble Cloud, a cloud communications provider, to Graphite Capital.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in SRL Traffic Systems, enhancing its position in the traffic management sector.
- Partnership with Solid Solutions, a leading provider of CAD software and services.
Office Locations:
- Manchester: Ship Canal House, 98 King Street, Manchester
- Additional Offices: London, Birmingham, Leeds, Reading, Bristol, Nottingham, Cardiff
Website: www.ldc.co.uk
Quote: “Our approach is built on long-term partnerships with management teams, delivering value through strategic and operational support.” – Chris Hurley, Chief Executive
NorthEdge
Investment Style: NorthEdge focuses on regional investments in the UK, supporting businesses with strong management teams through tailored growth strategies. Their sectors of focus include technology, healthcare, and consumer services, aiming to drive transformative change and expansion.
Portfolio Companies: NorthEdge’s portfolio includes companies like Phoebus Software (mortgage and savings technology), Cubic Motion (facial animation technology), and Cloud Technology Solutions (cloud migration services).
Founding Date: 2009
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately £900 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Grant Berry, Managing Partner: Leads NorthEdge’s investment strategy, focusing on regional opportunities and value creation.
- Paul Franks, Managing Partner: Specializes in consumer and technology investments, playing a pivotal role in the firm’s growth.
- Dan Wright, Partner: Focuses on healthcare and technology, leveraging his sector expertise to drive NorthEdge’s success.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Cubic Motion to Epic Games, enhancing its capabilities in real-time animation.
- Exit from Utiligroup to Energy Services Group, expanding its footprint in the energy sector.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Cutwel, a tooling supplier, to support its growth and distribution expansion.
- Partnering with Phoebus Software to accelerate its mortgage technology solutions.
Office Locations:
- Manchester (Headquarters): The Chancery, 58 Spring Gardens, Manchester
- Additional Offices: Leeds, Birmingham
Website: www.northedge.com
Quote: “Our focus is on leveraging our regional expertise to unlock growth potential and drive long-term success for our portfolio companies.” – Grant Berry, Managing Partner
Beech Tree Private Equity
Investment Style: Beech Tree Private Equity specializes in investing in high-growth, technology-driven businesses in the UK lower mid-market. They focus on sectors such as technology services, financial services, and media, offering support to accelerate growth and enhance value.
Portfolio Companies: Their portfolio includes companies like Fluent Money Group (financial services), Redstor (cloud data management), and Avid Insurance Services (specialist insurance services).
Founding Date: 2014
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 10
Assets Under Management: Approximately £300 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Andy Marsh, Managing Partner: Specializes in technology and business services, driving the firm’s strategic direction and growth.
- Paul Franks, Managing Partner: Focuses on the financial services and media sectors, leveraging his expertise to enhance portfolio value.
- Adam Rudd, Investment Director: Engages with technology-driven businesses to support growth and maximize returns.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Fluent Money Group to Mortgage Advice Bureau, expanding its presence in the financial services industry.
- Exit from Redstor to The Carlyle Group, enhancing its capabilities in cloud data management.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Avid Insurance Services, a specialist underwriting agency, to support portfolio growth.
- Partnership with Sagacity Solutions, a technology and data analytics consultancy, to drive expansion.
Office Locations:
- Manchester (Headquarters): 82 King Street, Manchester
- Additional Offices: Birmingham
Website: www.beechtreepe.com
Quote: “Beech Tree seeks to partner with businesses that have a clear growth trajectory and are poised to become leaders in their sectors.” – Andy Marsh, Managing Partner
Phoenix Equity Partners
Investment Style: Phoenix Equity Partners focuses on partnering with UK mid-market companies, providing capital for management buyouts and development capital. They are active across a variety of sectors including healthcare, consumer, and technology, with a focus on long-term value creation.
Portfolio Companies: Phoenix’s portfolio includes companies such as The Gym Group (fitness), Rayner Surgical Group (ophthalmic products), and Nineteen Group (exhibition organizer).
Founding Date: 2001
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 50
Assets Under Management: Approximately £1.2 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- David Burns, Managing Partner: Leads the firm’s strategic direction, focusing on growth opportunities in the healthcare and consumer sectors.
- Nick Marley, Partner: Specializes in technology and services, driving innovative investment strategies and value creation.
- Charlie Robinson, Partner: Focuses on the healthcare sector, leveraging his extensive industry experience to drive success.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Nexus Vehicle Rental to Equistone Partners Europe, expanding its reach in the rental market.
- Exit from Key Retirement Group to Partners Group, enhancing its presence in the financial services sector.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Nineteen Group, supporting its expansion in the events and exhibitions industry.
- Partnership with Rayner Surgical Group to enhance its global market presence in ophthalmology.
Office Locations:
- Manchester: 60 Fountain Street, Manchester
- Additional Offices: London
Website: www.phoenix-equity.com
Quote: “Phoenix is dedicated to building lasting partnerships with our portfolio companies, helping them achieve sustainable growth and success.” – David Burns, Managing Partner
Foresight Group
Investment Style: Foresight Group focuses on sustainable investment strategies, specializing in private equity and infrastructure investments across the UK. They emphasize supporting management teams in sectors such as renewable energy, environmental sustainability, and technology.
Portfolio Companies: Foresight’s portfolio includes companies like Procam Television (broadcast equipment), Mologic (medical diagnostics), and Blackstar Amplification (guitar amplifiers).
Founding Date: 1984
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 200
Assets Under Management: Approximately £8 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Bernard Fairman, Chairman: Provides strategic leadership and oversees the firm’s investment activities across all sectors.
- Matt Smith, Partner: Specializes in renewable energy investments, driving the firm’s success in sustainable sectors.
- James Livingston, Partner: Focuses on technology and innovation, supporting transformative growth strategies.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Procam Television to the private equity firm Inspirit Capital, expanding its media sector footprint.
- Exit from Mologic to Global Access Health, enhancing its medical diagnostics capabilities.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Blackstar Amplification, supporting its growth in the music technology industry.
- Partnership with Mologic, focusing on expanding its diagnostic product offerings globally.
Office Locations:
- Manchester: Clarence House, Clarence Street, Manchester
- Additional Offices: London, Nottingham, Leicester, Milton Keynes, Cambridge, Edinburgh
Website: www.foresightgroup.eu
Quote: “Foresight is committed to delivering sustainable investment returns through innovative strategies and strong partnerships with our portfolio companies.” – Bernard Fairman, Chairman
NVM Private Equity
Investment Style: NVM Private Equity focuses on partnering with ambitious management teams in the UK, providing growth capital for small to mid-sized businesses. Their investment strategy is sector-agnostic, with a focus on value creation and long-term growth.
Portfolio Companies: NVM’s portfolio includes companies such as Lineup Systems (media technology), Buoyant Upholstery (furniture manufacturing), and AVID Technology Group (automotive technology).
Founding Date: 1988
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 20
Assets Under Management: Approximately £400 million
Key Investment Professionals:
- Tim Levett, Chairman: Oversees NVM’s investment strategy and portfolio management across various sectors.
- Martin Green, Managing Partner: Focuses on identifying growth opportunities and supporting portfolio companies in achieving their strategic objectives.
- Jason Warren, Investment Director: Specializes in technology and manufacturing sectors, leveraging his expertise to drive value.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Lineup Systems to Atex, expanding its media technology capabilities.
- Exit from Buoyant Upholstery to The Belfield Group, enhancing its presence in the furniture manufacturing industry.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in AVID Technology Group, supporting its growth in automotive technology solutions.
- Partnership with Buoyant Upholstery to enhance its market presence and manufacturing capabilities.
Office Locations:
- Manchester (Headquarters): 5th Floor, 9 Portland Street, Manchester
- Additional Offices: Newcastle, London, Edinburgh
Website: www.nvm.co.uk
Quote: “NVM’s approach is centered on building long-term partnerships with management teams to drive sustainable growth and create value for all stakeholders.” – Tim Levett, Chairman
Endless LLP
Investment Style: Endless LLP focuses on transformational investments in UK mid-market companies, providing financial and strategic support to unlock potential and drive performance improvements. They are active across various sectors, including manufacturing, retail, and consumer goods.
Portfolio Companies: Endless’s portfolio includes companies such as Jones Bootmaker (footwear retail), Liberata (outsourcing services), and Victoria Plum (online bathroom retailer).
Founding Date: 2005
Number of Investment Professionals: Over 30
Assets Under Management: Approximately £1 billion
Key Investment Professionals:
- Garry Wilson, Managing Partner: Leads the firm’s investment activities, focusing on delivering value through operational improvements and strategic growth initiatives.
- Matthew Jubb, Partner: Specializes in retail and consumer investments, leveraging his expertise to drive portfolio success.
- Tom Jack, Partner: Focuses on manufacturing and industrial sectors, providing strategic insights to enhance performance.
Recent Exits:
- Sale of Jones Bootmaker to Pavers, expanding its retail footprint in the footwear market.
- Exit from Victoria Plum to TPG Capital, enhancing its position in the online retail sector.
Recent Investments:
- Investment in Liberata, supporting its growth and expansion in outsourcing services.
- Partnership with Jones Bootmaker to drive performance improvements and market expansion.
Office Locations:
- Manchester (Headquarters): 6th Floor, 3 Hardman Square, Manchester
- Additional Offices: London, Leeds, Birmingham
Website: www.endlessllp.com
Quote: “Endless is dedicated to unlocking value through transformational investments, supporting businesses to achieve their full potential.” – Garry Wilson, Managing Partner
Conclusion
Manchester’s private equity landscape continues to evolve, reflecting the city’s dynamic economic ecosystem. The firms operating here demonstrate remarkable adaptability and keen insight into regional opportunities. As the sector matures, we can expect more sophisticated investment strategies and deeper engagement with local industries.
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