NVM backs MD in Foreman Roberts buy-out

A building services consultant that includes Wimbledon and the new Wembley as examples of its work has been bought by its management for £14.7 million.


A building services consultant that includes Wimbledon and the new Wembley as examples of its work has been bought by its management for £14.7 million.

A building services consultant that includes Wimbledon and the new Wembley as examples of its work has been bought by its management for £14.7 million.

Foreman Roberts, which provides building design and advisory services, was sold to a team led by managing director Stuart Alexander.

Alexander, who remains in the post he has held since 2004, completed the deal after securing £7 million from NVM Private Equity. Debt was provided by HSBC.

NVM’s investment was co-ordinated by Peter Hodson, who said the firm decided to back this deal following legislative changes in the building services industry and the expertise of the buy-out team.

Alexander said this deal gives management the funds needed to continue to expand the company’s UK and international business.

Following the completion of the deal Clive Williams, a former managing partner of Ernst & Young and chief executive of Capgemini UK, joins the board as non-executive chairman.

NVM and HSBC appointed Hazlewoods LLP to manage the forensic due diligence review of Foreman Roberts. Its team was led by partner Andrew Brookes.

“This work involved pinpoint procedures designed to cover the key areas of the acquisition,” Brookes said. “It was a particularly interesting transaction to work on given the dynamics of the sector, areas covered and the timescales involved. Hazlewoods wish the management team and business every success in the future.”

Foreman Roberts provides its services to the office, technology, retail and education sectors. It has worked on projects such as Bankside and Bluewater with its clients including Heron Group, Land Securities and Quintain.

Marc Barber

Marc Barber

Marc was editor of GrowthBusiness from 2006 to 2010. He specialised in writing about entrepreneurs, private equity and venture capital, mid-market M&A, small caps and high-growth businesses.

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