Investing in Private Equity

Direct investment in established, profitable, private UK companies with growth potential. Target net returns to clients of 2x-4x total money invested in each private equity deal, over three to five years.

Our Investment Criteria

We back experienced management teams of established UK companies generating at least £1m EBITDA and with an ambition to grow. We provide between £3m and £10m of equity funding and focus on the lower-mid market. We are sector agnostic having invested in businesses operating in a wide range of sectors.

We don't invest in start-ups or early stage companies and believe, due to the risks, that these are better suited to investment through a fund structure.

Case study: TeamSport

In October 2017 we sold TeamSport, the UK's largest go-karting site operator, generating a 4x return on investment and a return to clients, after all charges, of 3.4x money within four years. Read our case study. 

Private Equity Transaction Types:

Growth Capital

Capital to facilitate organic or acquisitve growth. Examples include Sleeperz Hotels, Baxter's Place, The Light Cinemas, Virtua and 23.5 Degrees.

Management buyouts

Funding for strong management teams to spin out of a corporate or take control of a private company. Examples include Wagamama, Virgin Wines, TeamSport, Impreo and Carter Cabin Hire.

Replacement Capital

Funding to acquire part or all of the stakes in a private company held by one or more significant shareholders. Often completed alongside an element of growth capital. of the stakes 

Private Equity Investment Structures

Our investment structures are designed to provide clients with the best possible returns, combined with the lowest possible risk, whilst providing funding to management teams to drive growth in high quality UK businesses.

For example, many of our private equity investments are structured with a combination of Ordinary shares and Loan Notes or Preference Shares. 

As we are not a fund we can be far more flexible than most private equity funds in ensuring the appropriate structure is used in each case.

View our SME portfolio and exits