finance 27 WK Corporate Finance – it‘s about
people and personal contacts I am always being asked what a corporate finance adviser does, so rather than write another article about buying or selling a business, I thought I would ring the changes and write something about that, writes Philippa Robinson, director, WK Corporate Finance
My main role is undertaking the WK Corporate Finance lead advisory side of any work that we do for our clients. Currently I am advising on four sale mandates, an advisory strategic planning piece and acquisition searches in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors.
As part of top 20 UK chartered accountancy firm Wilkins Kennedy LLP, we work with a variety of UK and overseas funders including venture capital providers, banks and asset-based lenders . We also have strong international connections though our long-standing membership of international accounting organisation IAPA.
So in order to do my job, I need to know the right people to go to
conference. This was an excellent opportunity to meet with fellow advisers from as far and wide as Canada, Australia and China as well as most European countries. I came away knowing the types of deals that they are looking for and also having a good understanding of how the M&A climates are in their territories.
and that means getting out there and talking to contacts, funders and other advisers, so in early June I returned from Bucharest where I was leading the Deals and Opportunities Forum at the IAPA
As I said, networking is an important part of what we do and I was pleased to attend the prestigious Business Magazine Solent Deal Awards, a great annual event to have back on the south coast – it was good to catch up with so many familiar faces.
I also recently organised the monthly event of my local women‘s networking club with 30 ladies
deals
NVM Private Equity supports management buyout of Kirton Group
Reading-based NVM Private Equity (NVM) has supported the £5.5 million management buyout of Kirton Group (Kirton), the leading UK manufacturer and supplier of specialist seating and other products for the elderly and disabled. The management team plans to build on the success of the business through organic growth and acquisition, consolidating its strong position in the UK market and establishing a greater presence overseas.
Haverhill-based Kirton was established over 30 years ago by exiting chairman, Martin Battye. While working as a nurse in the mental health sector Battye recognised a need for enhanced seating and support for those with severe disabilities. He designed
innovative seating products, with the help of occupational therapists, to ensure comfort and achieve appropriate postural support for the user. Kirton now owns the intellectual property rights of more than 30 models.
In 2010, Kirton acquired High Wycombe-based AJ Way which has helped the Group to be recognised as having the widest seating portfolio in the healthcare market. Its core customers are local authorities, NHS Trusts and private care homes as well as the homecare market.
Throughout Kirton’s history the business has continued to design and launch new products – seeking input from user groups and healthcare professionals. In the 1990s, the Group
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – JULY/AUGUST 2013
embraced the concept of sensory stimulation tools for the education and development of children and those with learning disabilities, which has now migrated to include the development of sensory environments appropriate for the older person in a residential care setting.
According to a special inquiry by the House of Lords, a 50% increase in people aged 65 or older is anticipated from 2010 to 2030 in the UK, with a doubling of people aged 85 or older. With advances in medical treatment and care there will be higher survival rates from serious injury and illness, resulting in an even greater need for specialist seating and other related products. The demand will be further boosted by
regulatory changes and a greater awareness of postural management for those with severe disabilities.
Kirton’s group managing director Beverly Lawrence commented: “We have been delighted by NVM’s insight into what we do and from our very first meeting they spoke enthusiastically of how ‘we’ could grow and develop. Together, we are looking forward to developing new products, new markets and welcoming new people to our organisation.”
Investment directors David Rolfe and James Arrowsmith completed the deal for NVM. Rolfe, who will join Kirton’s board, commented: “We have been very impressed with the management team and look forward to working with them to take advantage of the growing demand for their product both at home in the UK and abroad.”
www.businessmag.co.uk
coming along to Wickham Vineyard for an informal evening of catching up and networking.
Finally, Wilkins Kennedy held a drinks party at Jury‘s Inn in Southampton to officially welcome me to the WK Corporate Finance team as director, so clients and contacts could meet and learn a bit about me. I particularly enjoy working with owner-managed businesses and I am really looking forward to working on many more corporate finance deals in the Thames Valley and Solent areas.
Details: Philippa Robinson Director Winchester, Guildford, Egham, Reading, Romsey 01962-852263
philippa.robinson@
wkcf.co.uk
Andy Coghlan Managing director London Bridge 020-7403-1877
andy.coghlan@
wkcf.co.uk
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