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Amplifi Group
Amplifi Group is a global data management business. Based in Atlanta and London, the company has over 150 employees and c.$50m revenue.
It provides strategic guidance, software integration and ongoing management services to some of the largest companies in the world.
Following the acquisition of Comma, Amplifi retained DPF to advice on a fundraise and subsequent buy-and-build programme. The first step of this was to secure a funding partner to enable the Amplifi shareholders to achieve their objectives. Source Capital provided the funding, expertise and shared ambition for growth.
“We wouldn’t be without DPF. They ensure the best acquisition targets are identified, the optimal deals done and, critically, allow us to focus on running the business.”
Corey Mellick, CEO
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Comma Group
Comma Group is the UK’s leading company in data management and governance.
Based in Warwick, the Company has over 50 employees and advises some of the biggest companies in Europe on their data strategies, including Mitchells & Butlers and Kingfisher plc.
The Comma shareholders wanted to partially realise value and partially re-invest in a larger, combines business.
We therefore explored both Private Equity and trade offers and ultimately sold the business to US based Amplifi LLC. The buyer allowed the Comma shareholders to achieve their objectives and the combined business is one of the fastest growing in the global data market.
“DPF were fantastic. We could not have completed this deal without them.”
Leigh Wells. CEO
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Day Out With The Kids
Day Out With The Kids is the UK’s largest days out and attractions website, offering inspiration and curated content around ‘Things to do’ for families across the UK. CEO James Morgan has led a management buyout (MBO) of the business supported by private investment, facilitated by Debrett’s.
Debrett’s advised James throughout the transaction, assisting with agreeing a valuation, negotiating with the vendor, finding the investors and financiers, and project managing the transaction. Will Mason and David Totney have joined the board to provide ongoing advice and to support the business with its growth plans.
“Debrett’s were invaluable throughout the buyout, brought a range of investors to the table and helped us select a partner that sees the vision for the future as we do. With Will, David and our investors supporting us in the next stages we have an ambitious plan for growth that we are excited to continue delivering – watch this space!”
James Morgan, CEO
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Elaph Media Plc
Elaph Media plc produces independent, un-censored, online news, entertainment and lifestyle content in Arabic and English for a diverse audience of over one and a half million regular readers. Founded by journalist and entrepreneur, Othman Al Omeir in 1999, it was the first independent Arabic newspaper to be published online.
Debrett’s has been appointed as strategic and fundraising advisers to the company as it seeks to deliver its plan to become the leading global producer of news, entertainment and lifestyle content for Arabic and English audiences in the Middle East.
“The DPF team have been fundamental in establishing a solid foundation for Elaph’s strategy for growth and we are delighted to have their continued support.” Elaph Media plc CEO Mr Emile Isaac commented. He continued ‘We are also extremely pleased to welcome Darryl as Non-Executive Director. His experience and knowledge complements our Board of Directors as well as broadening our horizons.”
Emile Isaac, CEO -
Joblogic
Joblogic is a field service management software company. It helps building and maintenance contractors to streamline workflows, improve customer service and ultimately increase profit. The company’s suite of products includes job scheduling, asset monitoring, CRM, live tracking, quotations and business intelligence. Serving a variety of industries, Joblogic has global operations and employs more than 200 people.
We were appointed by mid market software specialist investor, Axiom Equity to advise them on their investment (c. £60m). This involved working across a multitude of areas and in close collaboration with investor and company alike.
“DPF have been outstanding in terms of buyside support They worked as an integral part of our deal team and provided in-depth analysis and execution support. I would wholeheartedly recommend them”
Ed Fraser, Partner Axiom Equity
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Kingscastle
Kingscastle (KCL) is a large property company with a diverse portfolio across the UK.
We advised the largest shareholder Henry Gwyn-Jones on the acquisition of the rest of the business from other shareholders. This included a long and complicated negotiation process, a fundraise (bridging finance) and deal execution / project management.
“DPF played an important role in this deal. The management of other shareholders was critical and this was performed very capably.”
Henry Gwyn-Jones, Chair
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Lifecycle Management Group
Lifecycle Management Group was established more than 30 years ago by majority owner and founder, Peter Mullin. The business provides contract management services to the NHS and other public sector organisations, with more than £450m of contracts under management and, since inception, has saved its clients over £200m through its expertise and proprietary systems used in supplier and contract management.
We advised the shareholders of Lifecycle Management Group on the sale of the business to Commercial Services Group, the largest local authority-owned trading organisations in the UK.
“I am very grateful for the invaluable support from DPF during this transaction and I would like to express my thanks for everyone’s hard work and commitment in this process.”
Peter Mullin, Majority Owner and Founder
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Locowise
Locowise is a fast growing, marketing technology SaaS platform. It has developed a fully automated, AI-driven, social media reporting and analytics tool. Its global customer base uses this software to generate instant metric and insights to guide social media strategies.
We were appointed by the former owner, the Low&Behold Group of companies, to sell the business in order to generate cash for future investment into other areas. After extensive buyer research and pre-screening, we identified Little Dot Studios, a subsidiary of US based All 3 Media, as a preferred strategic buyer. After a programme of preparing the business for sale and managing the due diligence process, the transaction completed in March 2023.
“Thank you to DPF for everything. We could not have got this deal done without them”
Darren Low, CEO
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Logik Logistics
Logik Logistics is a leading provider of time-sensitive transport solutions. Its impressive customer list includes JLR, Aston Martin, BMW, Amazon and others.
We advised the Management team, led by CEO David York on the acquisition of the company from its founder. In addition, our Private Equity team invested alongside the incoming funder, Frontier Development Capital.
The deal was completed to timeline and has allowed Management to invest in the business, growing the team to encompass additional service lines.
“Thank you to all at DPF. It was a pleasure working with them on this transaction and I am delighted they will be involved going forward.”
David York, CEO
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Octavius
Octavius Infrastructure is a Tier one supplier to key public bodies such as Network Rail, National Highways, and Transport for London; and local authorities and commercial customers. Sullivan Street Partners, a leading buyout firm that focuses on complex situations in the lower mid-market, acquired the company in 2021. Sullivan Street has a strong track record for delivering outsized returns and successfully scaling business.
Debrett’s have been retained by Octavius / Sullivan Street Partners to help identify opportunities to support their growth ambitions. R&W Civil Engineering was one such target that Debrett’s identified. The acquisition marks the start of Octavius’ next growth phase. Alongside its impressive organic expansion, it is now seeking complementary areas to enter via M&A. This deal significantly bolsters the group’s capability in the highways sector.
“Debrett’s were specifically retained to identify organisations who would fit both culturally and in terms of their complimentary capability. This deal is the first big acquisitive step in achieving our ambitious growth plans to become a market leading transport infrastructure provider. We look forward to continuing our prosperous work with Debrett’s.”
John Dowsett, CEO
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Piper Electric Vehicles
Piper Electric Vehicles (PEV) is an EIS-qualifying, innovative British engineering start-up. Its mission is to re-create electric versions of the most magical and charismatic cars of yesteryear to meet the needs of 21st century drivers and contribute to a sustainable future.
The funds raised will enable the business to reimagine design and produce brand new cars, from the ground up, rather than retro-fit or convert existing combustion engine classic cars to electric vehicles. Its first platform vehicle is a newly imagined version of the highly-acclaimed Austin Healey Sprite.
The business has already used the funds on the production of a working prototype and production is due to commence in Q2 of 2023. The business will shortly be raising a small ‘top-up’ round which will be the final amount necessary for production and all future requirements. The business will be cash generative from then on and has further vehicles to launch.
“Thank you to DPF. Good job on securing the investment we require so swiftly. We are now in proper growth mode, and I couldn’t be prouder of the business we are building”
Mark Hall, CEO
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Signature Property Finance
Signature Property Finance is one the fastest growing providers of property bridging finance in the UK. Based in the Midlands, the company has lent over £200m to property developers and investors.
When the company’s existing private equity owner (Cabot Capital) wished to sell, we were engaged by the Management Team to find the right long-term funding partner. This turned out to be Foresight Group LLP who were clearly the best choice for the team and the company.
The Management team have used the funds invested in Foresight to expand their product portfolio and are working towards an ultimate exit on an agreed timetable.
“DPF were a huge help throughout the deal and did a great job for management, allowing them to focus on the business, ensuring minimal disruption.”
James Livingston, Partner
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Totalkare
Midlands-based wholesale supplier Totalkare who operate across the UK supplying workshop equipment to automotive industry, including mobile and fixed lifts, servicing and testing equipment, and consumables has completed its second management buy-out.
Since undergoing an MBO in 2018 Totalkare has had impressive growth despite economic headwinds in the interim period. Part of the deal was to primarily purchase further shares, and the business has also completed an acquisition, and refinanced existing debt.
“Working with Debrett’s [and Shawbrook] was a refreshingly smooth experience. They worked closely with us to understand our needs and they developed a package that enabled us to complete our first acquisition and re-structure the business simultaneously. With their support we have exciting times ahead of us as we continue our journey.”
David Hall, CEO
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Amplifi Group
Amplifi Group is a global data management business. Based in Atlanta and London, the company has over 150 employees and c.$50m revenue.
It provides strategic guidance, software integration and ongoing management services to some of the largest companies in the world.
Following the acquisition of Comma, Amplifi retained DPF to advice on a fundraise and subsequent buy-and-build programme. The first step of this was to secure a funding partner to enable the Amplifi shareholders to achieve their objectives. Source Capital provided the funding, expertise and shared ambition for growth.
“We wouldn’t be without DPF. They ensure the best acquisition targets are identified, the optimal deals done and, critically, allow us to focus on running the business.”
Corey Mellick, CEO
-
Logik Logistics
Logik Logistics is a leading provider of time-sensitive transport solutions. Its impressive customer list includes JLR, Aston Martin, BMW, Amazon and others.
We advised the Management team, led by CEO David York on the acquisition of the company from its founder. In addition, our Private Equity team invested alongside the incoming funder, Frontier Development Capital.
The deal was completed to timeline and has allowed Management to invest in the business, growing the team to encompass additional service lines.
“Thank you to all at DPF. It was a pleasure working with them on this transaction and I am delighted they will be involved going forward.”
David York, CEO
-
Kingscastle
Kingscastle (KCL) is a large property company with a diverse portfolio across the UK.
We advised the largest shareholder Henry Gwyn-Jones on the acquisition of the rest of the business from other shareholders. This included a long and complicated negotiation process, a fundraise (bridging finance) and deal execution / project management.
“DPF played an important role in this deal. The management of other shareholders was critical and this was performed very capably.”
Henry Gwyn-Jones, Chair
-
Comma Group
Comma Group is the UK’s leading company in data management and governance.
Based in Warwick, the Company has over 50 employees and advises some of the biggest companies in Europe on their data strategies, including Mitchells & Butlers and Kingfisher plc.
The Comma shareholders wanted to partially realise value and partially re-invest in a larger, combines business.
We therefore explored both Private Equity and trade offers and ultimately sold the business to US based Amplifi LLC. The buyer allowed the Comma shareholders to achieve their objectives and the combined business is one of the fastest growing in the global data market.
“DPF were fantastic. We could not have completed this deal without them.”
Leigh Wells. CEO
-
Signature Property Finance
Signature Property Finance is one the fastest growing providers of property bridging finance in the UK. Based in the Midlands, the company has lent over £200m to property developers and investors.
When the company’s existing private equity owner (Cabot Capital) wished to sell, we were engaged by the Management Team to find the right long-term funding partner. This turned out to be Foresight Group LLP who were clearly the best choice for the team and the company.
The Management team have used the funds invested in Foresight to expand their product portfolio and are working towards an ultimate exit on an agreed timetable.
“DPF were a huge help throughout the deal and did a great job for management, allowing them to focus on the business, ensuring minimal disruption.”
James Livingston, Partner
-
Totalkare
Midlands-based wholesale supplier Totalkare who operate across the UK supplying workshop equipment to automotive industry, including mobile and fixed lifts, servicing and testing equipment, and consumables has completed its second management buy-out.
Since undergoing an MBO in 2018 Totalkare has had impressive growth despite economic headwinds in the interim period. Part of the deal was to primarily purchase further shares, and the business has also completed an acquisition, and refinanced existing debt.
“Working with Debrett’s [and Shawbrook] was a refreshingly smooth experience. They worked closely with us to understand our needs and they developed a package that enabled us to complete our first acquisition and re-structure the business simultaneously. With their support we have exciting times ahead of us as we continue our journey.”
David Hall, CEO
-
Piper Electric Vehicles
Piper Electric Vehicles (PEV) is an EIS-qualifying, innovative British engineering start-up. Its mission is to re-create electric versions of the most magical and charismatic cars of yesteryear to meet the needs of 21st century drivers and contribute to a sustainable future.
The funds raised will enable the business to reimagine design and produce brand new cars, from the ground up, rather than retro-fit or convert existing combustion engine classic cars to electric vehicles. Its first platform vehicle is a newly imagined version of the highly-acclaimed Austin Healey Sprite.
The business has already used the funds on the production of a working prototype and production is due to commence in Q2 of 2023. The business will shortly be raising a small ‘top-up’ round which will be the final amount necessary for production and all future requirements. The business will be cash generative from then on and has further vehicles to launch.
“Thank you to DPF. Good job on securing the investment we require so swiftly. We are now in proper growth mode, and I couldn’t be prouder of the business we are building”
Mark Hall, CEO
-
Elaph Media Plc
Elaph Media plc produces independent, un-censored, online news, entertainment and lifestyle content in Arabic and English for a diverse audience of over one and a half million regular readers. Founded by journalist and entrepreneur, Othman Al Omeir in 1999, it was the first independent Arabic newspaper to be published online.
Debrett’s has been appointed as strategic and fundraising advisers to the company as it seeks to deliver its plan to become the leading global producer of news, entertainment and lifestyle content for Arabic and English audiences in the Middle East.
“The DPF team have been fundamental in establishing a solid foundation for Elaph’s strategy for growth and we are delighted to have their continued support.” Elaph Media plc CEO Mr Emile Isaac commented. He continued ‘We are also extremely pleased to welcome Darryl as Non-Executive Director. His experience and knowledge complements our Board of Directors as well as broadening our horizons.”
Emile Isaac, CEO -
Locowise
Locowise is a fast growing, marketing technology SaaS platform. It has developed a fully automated, AI-driven, social media reporting and analytics tool. Its global customer base uses this software to generate instant metric and insights to guide social media strategies.
We were appointed by the former owner, the Low&Behold Group of companies, to sell the business in order to generate cash for future investment into other areas. After extensive buyer research and pre-screening, we identified Little Dot Studios, a subsidiary of US based All 3 Media, as a preferred strategic buyer. After a programme of preparing the business for sale and managing the due diligence process, the transaction completed in March 2023.
“Thank you to DPF for everything. We could not have got this deal done without them”
Darren Low, CEO
-
Joblogic
Joblogic is a field service management software company. It helps building and maintenance contractors to streamline workflows, improve customer service and ultimately increase profit. The company’s suite of products includes job scheduling, asset monitoring, CRM, live tracking, quotations and business intelligence. Serving a variety of industries, Joblogic has global operations and employs more than 200 people.
We were appointed by mid market software specialist investor, Axiom Equity to advise them on their investment (c. £60m). This involved working across a multitude of areas and in close collaboration with investor and company alike.
“DPF have been outstanding in terms of buyside support They worked as an integral part of our deal team and provided in-depth analysis and execution support. I would wholeheartedly recommend them”
Ed Fraser, Partner Axiom Equity
-
Octavius
Octavius Infrastructure is a Tier one supplier to key public bodies such as Network Rail, National Highways, and Transport for London; and local authorities and commercial customers. Sullivan Street Partners, a leading buyout firm that focuses on complex situations in the lower mid-market, acquired the company in 2021. Sullivan Street has a strong track record for delivering outsized returns and successfully scaling business.
Debrett’s have been retained by Octavius / Sullivan Street Partners to help identify opportunities to support their growth ambitions. R&W Civil Engineering was one such target that Debrett’s identified. The acquisition marks the start of Octavius’ next growth phase. Alongside its impressive organic expansion, it is now seeking complementary areas to enter via M&A. This deal significantly bolsters the group’s capability in the highways sector.
“Debrett’s were specifically retained to identify organisations who would fit both culturally and in terms of their complimentary capability. This deal is the first big acquisitive step in achieving our ambitious growth plans to become a market leading transport infrastructure provider. We look forward to continuing our prosperous work with Debrett’s.”
John Dowsett, CEO