deals 25


Grant Thornton Corporate Finance has a great start to the year


Grant Thornton’s Thames Valley Corporate Finance team continues to advise on great deals having worked on the successful completion of four deals during January and February


The deals completed include one disposal and three acquisitions, advising a range of parties including private individuals, private equity backed businesses and corporates. This reflects the diversity of deals Grant Thornton is currently working on.


These deals include:


Selection Services’ acquisition of 8el Grant Thornton advised Palatine Private Equity and Selection Services on its acquisition of Aggregated Telecom (trading as 8el).


Selection Services is an IT managed services provider, working within the SME market, delivering a broad array of managed services and solutions, bespoke projects and expert strategic advice. This acquisition strengthens Selection Services’ managed communication expertise and results in a combined entity generating revenues of over £35 million and with more than 400 staff and helps the group pursue its strategy of building a substantial business that offers a full suite of IT services.


Grant Thornton has a strong relationship with both Palatine and Selection, having advised on the original MBO in 2011. This relationship combined with technology sector expertise allowed Grant Thornton’s team to work closely with them, providing corporate finance and corporate tax advice.


Maindec’s acquisition of CSA Waverley


Grant Thornton advised Maindec Computer Solutions on its acquisition of CSA Waverley.


Maindec is a leading IT support and services provider with over 30 years’ experience of delivering tailored solutions to a wide range of customers in different market sectors and locations throughout the UK. The business specialises in IT maintenance and business critical services on most major brands and delivers service and warranty through a nationwide network of regional service centres. The acquisition of CSA Waverley brings to Maindec, a


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – APRIL 2013


proven ability to deliver complex IT infrastructure projects and also creates a broader range of IT services and growth opportunities for both companies. Following the acquisition, the two businesses will generate turnover well in excess of £40m.


Maindec is a valued client of Grant Thornton and we are delighted to have been able to support the management team as they take a significant and exciting step forward. The deal dynamics reflected the close relationships between buyer and seller and we enjoyed being part of such a collaborative transaction.


IRIS Software Group’s acquisition of Websmiths Group


Grant Thornton advised IRIS Software Group on its acquisition of accountancy website specialist Websmiths Group, trading as Accountant Websmiths.


IRIS Software Group is the market leader in accountancy software and payroll solutions. The acquisition of Websmiths Group is a strategic purchase that has been made to complement the growing portfolio of integrated software and services at IRIS and help UK accountancy firms present themselves more effectively on the web. Effective immediately, Accountant Websmiths will join the IRIS Software Group and their range of services will be offered under the IRIS OpenWebsite name.


The disposal of a multi-site motor dealership


Grant Thornton advised the shareholders on their disposal of a multi-site motor dealership to one of the leading motor dealerships in the South of England. The details of the deal were undisclosed.


This selection of deals demonstrates Grant Thornton’s ability to deliver bespoke advice to differing clients using fully integrated lead advisory, transaction advisory services and transactional tax teams.


Grant Thornton continues to complete deals and support clients in the technology sector, healthcare, precision engineering, food and consumer sectors.


www.businessmag.co.uk


Duncan Lamb, partner


Its expertise in these fields is invaluable in getting deals done.


Commenting on the recent deals, Duncan Lamb, corporate finance partner, said: “We are delighted with the great start to the year; this demonstrates that deals are getting done. We are working with a large number of corporates, PE houses and private individuals, and we are hopeful we will continue completing deals during the remaining part of the year.”


Details: Duncan Lamb 0118-9839612 duncan.lamb@uk.gt.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40