Transatlantic activity keeps mid-tier private equity markets rolling

Private equity investment is about long-term return, so structuring the investment terms to achieve that outcome is vital – as is results focused-advice throughout the investment lifecycle from deal structuring to exit in order to achieve dealmaking success.

Whether setting up new funds, buy-outs, exits and bolt-on acquisitions or looking at operational and structural challenges, such as tax and employment, sponsors need expert advice that offers both technical rigour and commercial pragmatism.

Stateside Capital 

With the recent strength of the dollar, US investors are increasingly seeking international deals in the UK, as well as Europe, including Germany, France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands, offering value and well-priced opportunities.

With a wall of Stateside capital looking to be deployed in suitable cross-border investment opportunities, this transatlantic traffic into the UK and the rest of Europe has continued to remain active and lively in recent years.

This steady stream of direct investment into the UK and other jurisdictions has been driven by specific geographical areas in the US, such as the West Coast with its concentration of tech disruptors looking to grow their presence on the other side of the Atlantic.

International reach 

This busy period looks set to continue as international money continues to find attractive opportunities in the UK plc with keen pricing and good potential multiples compared to what is available in the States – and in a range of transformative industries, such as tech, life sciences and healthcare.

The international reach of Osborne Clarke is well placed to deliver these cross-border opportunities for US investors and others.  With a large roster of mid-market sponsor clients, Osborne Clarke can act for these deal makers through the life cycle of an investment from initial approach to overseas bolt-on and exit.

Osborne Clarke advises on around 80 private equity transactions a year and with a team that spans from Europe to the west and east coasts of the US and can work seamlessly across borders. In 2022, we advised on private equity transactions with an aggregate deal value in excess of £4 billion.

Commercial Pragmatism

Osborne Clarke offers pragmatic commercially focused advice within tight deadlines and high-pressure negotiations. Our work for equity investors, investee companies, banks and vendors and strategic partners keeps us tuned into the market ensuring our advice is based upon the most up-to-date market knowledge.

Trust in a legal team’s experience and commercial acumen gives the confidence needed to approach a deal from start to finish.

Osborne Clarke advises on around 80 private equity transactions a year and with a team that spans from Europe to the west and east coasts of the US

 

Experience

A-Gas Management Team

Advised the management team of A-Gas, a global leader in the supply and lifecycle management of refrigerant gases, on its majority stake sale c. USD1 billion to climate investing strategist TPG Rise Climate.

Management of Babcock International Group's Aerial Emergency Services Division

Advised the management team of the Aerial Emergency Services Division of Babcock International Group PLC on the divestiture to Ancala Partners c. EUR 136.2 million. 

The business provides aerial emergency services, firefighting and search & rescue to customers and communities in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Sweden and Finland, with over 2,400 employees and a fleet of 232 aircraft across 164 operational locations.

Palladian Investment Partners LLP

Advised Palladian Investment Partners LLP, an independent financial sponsor, as it backs the management team of Intelli-Park, a leading UK provider of parking technology and management services in a buyout from its founder. 

The transaction is valued at over £120 million, inclusive of earn outs, and marks the second investment for Palladian.

Kester Capital LLP

Advised Kester Capital, the UK lower mid-market private equity specialist, in its investment in GXP Engaged, a leading provider of Good Clinical/Pharmacovigilance Practice (GCP/GVP) audit and related consulting services to the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.

The investment represents Kester’s sixth investment in the Life Sciences sector, and the second investment out of its latest fund, Kester Capital III. This transaction cements Kester’s reputation as one of the leading life sciences investors in the UK private equity market. 

Mobeus

Advised Mobeus on its minority investment into Lace Partners, a leading HR and Payroll transformation consultancy.

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Tresmares Capital

Advised new client Tresmares Capital on its minority investment into Exam Papers Plus Limited. Exam Papers Plus is a leading provider of test prep materials focusing on selective schools’ admission exams.

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