Flexible workspace company The Instant Group has been backed by a management buyout by mid-market private equity firm Bowmark.
Founded in 1999, Instant provides alternative methods of office procurement and management to the likes of Amazon and Sky and mostly focuses on flexible workspace and medium-term lease solutions.
Instant, which employs 250 people in 11 cities around the world, has delivered compound annual revenue growth of 30 per cent over the past four years, and has grown internationally in recent years. The company has been lead by Tim Rodber since 2013. He appeared 44 times for England between 1992 and 1999.
Bowmark managing partner Charles Ind said, ‘With highly differentiated service offerings, market-leading data, a high proportion of long-term contracted income and deep client relationships, we believe that Instant will continue to lead the way in the fast-growing flexible workspace market.’
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Growth in flexible working
There has been a flexible working boom in recent years as co-working spaces spring up all over the world. As the below graph from office space firm Regus, most people believe there will be more demand for flexible workspace in the future.
Bowmark is acquiring its interest from MML Capital Partners which, alongside management, will also be re-investing in the transaction.
Tim Rodber said, ‘The investment from Bowmark will allow us to retain our independence and scale the business globally to take advantage of the vast potential of the international flex market.
‘Bowmark’s sector knowledge was clear from the outset and we look forward to working with its team to realise our ambitions for the future.’
Luke Jones, partner at MML Capital Partners said, ‘During our period of investment, Instant has become a leading and innovative provider of outsourced property services, driven by an outstanding management team. We are pleased to continue our association with the business in its next stage of development with Bowmark.’
The Instant Group was advised on the transaction by corporate finance company Livingstone Partners and legal firm Macfarlanes.
Further reading on management buyouts
