Eastwood Anglo has advised on numerous transactions covering a wide range of sectors across private and public markets. Shown below are a selection of transactions, for case studies and further information see the Full Info tab. The transaction value is provided where this is public knowledge, otherwise an approximate range is given.
William Whiteley & Sons (Sheffield)
Sale of William Whiteley & Sons (Sheffield) Limited
Acquirer / Funder
Loks Holdings
Value
<£5m
Deal Type
Sale
Sector
Manufacturing
Location
UK
Overview
Case Study: Sale of William Whiteley & Sons (Sheffield) Limited to Loks Holdings Limited Client: The shareholder directors of William Whiteley Transaction: Retirement sale Advisers: Eastwood Anglo Corporate Finance; Austin Moore Solicitors Overview: Sally Ward (née Whiteley) was the final family member to own, together with her husband Jeremy, the last industrial scissor maker in the UK, William Whiteley, founded in Sheffield in 1760 and the oldest scissorsmith in the Western world. Under their ownership since 1997, the business was transformed, moving to modern premises on the outskirts of Sheffield, introducing modern manufacturing and materials sourcing methods whilst retaining traditional craft skills. They responded to the challenges of covid by developing direct marketing channels to discerning and loyal retail customers in the UK and abroad, developing a heritage retail brand alongside longstanding industrial and trade customers. Our Approach As there was no family continuity, when the shareholders decided that they needed to retire they approached Eastwood Anglo, who they had known for some time, for advice on how best to proceed. Having analysed recent financial performance, we advised on likely value and the best marketing approach which would optimise buyer interest whilst maintaining confidentiality to minimise concern to customers and staff. We kept close to the company throughout the process, monitoring and keeping interested parties informed on performance and developments. We were able to present the owners with a choice of credible offers and to manage what proved to be an extended and thorough due diligence process. Our hands-on approach ensured that the shareholders’ interests were fully represented at every step, while providing guidance on commercial and legal matters. Coordination between the corporate finance and legal teams enabled a streamlined, efficient transaction.
Lifetime Home Care
Sale of William Whiteley & Sons (Sheffield) Limited
Acquirer / Funder
Beacon Homecare
Value
<£5m
Deal Type
Sale
Sector
Healthcare
Location
UK
Overview
Case Study:Sale of Lifetime Homecare Limited to Beacon Homecare Services Limited Client: The shareholder directors of Lifetime Homecare Services Limited Transaction: Retirement sale Advisers:Eastwood Anglo Corporate Finance; Austin Moore Solicitors Overview: Phill Moody together with his wife Ann established Lifetime Homecare in 2011. They identified the market for domiciliary care which at the time was being poorly served by existing suppliers. They developed an efficient locally based and serviced operation in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire founded on experienced local carers serving clusters of vulnerable service users supported by modern technology and supervisory capacity which ensured uninterrupted service. The efficiency of service supply and quality of the local staff was appreciated by their customers, primarily local authorities and their CQC rating was continually good. Our Approach When Phil and Ann decided to retire, they sought informal advice from a friend who recommended Eastwood Anglo having met us some years previously on a transaction. We started by understanding their objectives and timescale. The company was based in an office building owned personally by the director on which they chose a flexible approach depending on the wishes of the eventual buyer. We valued the business considering the difficult market at the time and agreed on a target price range which was both achievable and would meet their expectations. As always, we had to balance the need for confidentiality with making sure that the potential market was aware of the opportunity. In this case we advised that the largest customer should be kept informed at an early stage which was appreciated. We guided them through the sale process developing trust and understanding as it progressed. We were able to present two offers, one from a substantial operator which was priced with a disproportionate element of deferred and the other from Beacon Homecare, a growing group owned and led by Ross Tomkins. A key element of our mandate at this stage was buyer due diligence and advice to the sellers of the balance of risk against certainty of outcome. Having decided to go with Beacon, the transaction completed satisfactorily. As always, we remained engaged until all deferred consideration was paid which on this occasion was ahead of the original timetable. The buyer decided to take a relatively short lease on the offices which they vacated when it ended, and which Ann and Phil are now adapting to alternative use.
Hello Telecom
Rule 3 adviser to Hello Telecom
Acquirer / Funder
Southern Communications
Value
£4m
Deal Type
Sale
Sector
TMT - Telecoms
Location
UK
Overview
Client: Directors of Hello Telecom Transaction: Rule 3 adviser to Hello Telecom (UK) Ltd in relation to offer by Southern Communications Holdings Ltd under Takeover Panel rules. Advisers: Bill Eastwood, Eastwood Anglo Corporate Finance; Austin Moore, Austin Moore Solicitors, Pete Wood, Breeze Corporate Finance Background The sell side corporate finance advisers to Hello Telecom (UK) Ltd had secured an offer from Southern Communications Holdings Limited. Upon initial legal review, it transpired that the transaction required a Rule 3 adviser. Prior to the February 2025 rule changes, any company that had had a public listing within a 10 year period prior to the offer date would fall under Panel rules. Hello Telecom (UK) Ltd, had previously been listed on Plus Markets and had delisted ~8 years prior to the offer being received and therefore required a Rule 3 adviser. Eastwood Anglo was appointed as Rule 3 advisers to work with the board, their shareholders and existing advisers. Our role: > Adviser to board and shareholders of Hello Telecom re public offer to its 200 shareholders > Formal Takeover Code advice to board on value and terms of the offer. Advise that offer is fair and reasonable, and board should recommend acceptance > Formal business valuation > Review financial models, including earn-out projections > Review and advise on price, deferred terms, service contracts, offeror’s assurances to employees > Advise on Takeover Panel rules > Sole FCA authorised adviser on transaction > Review and agree drafting of offer document and draft paragraphs re offeree > Issue under Eastwood Anglo name public announcements to London Stock Exchange on Regulatory News Service (RNS) > Review, negotiate and agree deferred payments after one year {https://www.insidermedia.com/news/all/deal-agreed-for-acquisition-of-hello-telecom-uk=https://www.insidermedia.com/news/all/deal-agreed-for-acquisition-of-hello-telecom-uk}
Effective Utilities
Acquirer / Funder
Arrow Comms
Value
<£5m
Deal Type
Sale
Sector
Utilities
Location
UK
Overview
When Effective Energy Group decided to concentrate on renewable energy solutions they turned to Eastwood Anglo to find a buyer either for the shares of the company or for the book of commercial energy contracts owned by Effective Utilities. This was an unusual transaction for us, involving detailed analysis of the outstanding contracts, checking on legal assignability and buyer due diligence to ensure the contracts ended up in the right home to ensure clients continued to get the service that Effective had been providing. We collated offers and recommended a sale to Arrow Business Communications, now part of the ARO Group.
Camloc Motion Control
MBO of Camloc Motion Control
Acquirer / Funder
Foresight
Value
<£5m
Deal Type
MBO
Sector
Industrials
Location
UK
Overview
Eastwood Anglo Corporate Finance advised the shareholders on the Vendor Initiated Management Buy-Out (VIMBO) of Camloc. EACF introduced and negotiated the funding package. The Foresight Nottingham Fund provided £1.5m to support the transaction and the Royal Bank of Scotland provided a term loan and working capital facility. Camloc is a Leicester based leading designer and manufacturer of gas springs and dampers with sales of circa £4m previously owned by US shareholders. For the Insider Media report {click here.=https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/mbo-for-leicester-manufacturer}
Farming & Leisure LLP
Restructure of farming & leisure business
Acquirer / Funder
N/A
Value
£10m+
Deal Type
Restructure
Sector
Farming & Leisure
Location
UK
Overview
Eastwood Anglo advised on the division of a substantial long established farming and leisure business between family members whose interests had diverged. The role included technical valuations of the various business units in conjunction with land agents, but more importantly establishing the conflicting goals and ambitions of the parties and reaching a solution acceptable to all.
QS Recruitment
MBO of QS Recruitment
Acquirer / Funder
Foresight
Value
£5m-£10m
Deal Type
MBO
Sector
Recruitment
Location
UK
Overview
Eastwood Anglo Corporate Finance advised the shareholders on the Vendor Initiated Management Buy-Out (VIMBO) of QS Recruitment. EACF introduced and negotiated the multi-million pound funding package. The Foresight Nottingham Fund provided £2m to support the transaction and the Royal Bank of Scotland provided a term loan and invoice discounting facility. QS provides recruitment services throughout East Midlands and South Yorkshire in six specialist divisions; Driving, Industrial, Engineering, Catering, Office and Care with sales in excess of £8 million. For the Insider Media report {click here.=http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/foresight-backs-recruitment-firm-mbo?utmsource=eastmidlandsnewsletter&utmcampaign=eastmidlandsnewstracker&utmmedium=dealsarticle}
Teacher Boards
Havelock Europa – sale of Teacher Boards
Acquirer / Funder
Sundeala
Value
<£5m
Deal Type
Sale
Sector
Manufacturing
Location
UK
Overview
Eastwood Anglo Corporate Finance advised Havelock Europa plc (AIM:HVE.L) the international interior solutions provider on the sale of Skipton based Teacherboards. Teacherboards is an educational supplies business that manufactures, procures and distributes display boards, presentation equipment and other related products. In the year to 31 December 2014 Teacherboards had sales of £4.4m and was sold to Sundeala, a manufacturer of environmentally sustainable boards. For the Insider Media {click here.=http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/yorkshire/147671-?utmsource=yorkshirenewsletter&utmmedium=dealsarticle&utmcampaign=yorkshirenewstracker}
BES Consulting Engineers
Acquisition of BES Consulting Engineers by Morgan Tucker
Acquirer / Funder
Morgan Tucker
Value
<£5m
Deal Type
Acquisition
Sector
Engineering
Location
UK
Overview
Eastwood Anglo Corporate Finance advised Morgan Tucker on the acquisition of North East based BES Consulting Engineers. The deal was completed just weeks after Eastwood Anglo assisted Morgan Tucker in securing a £1m cash injection from the £40 Foresight Nottingham Fund
Displayplan MBO
Management Buy Out of Displayplan
Acquirer / Funder
YFM Equity Partners
Value
<£5m
Deal Type
MBO
Sector
Manufacturing
Location
UK
Overview
Deal announcement: "The buyout was jointly led by Neil Campbell, who has worked in the group since 1992 and will become executive chairman, and Scott Morris who continues as managing director. Founded in 1984, Displayplan employs 50 people across its headquarters in Hertfordshire and in China, Germany and Holland. The Co-operative Bank provided senior term finance and full banking facilities with GE Capital providing invoice discounting for the MBO. Eastwood Anglo Corporate Finance acted as lead adviser to management. Eastwood Anglo Corporate Finance also advised DisplayPlan Ltd on the re-banking of its finance facilities. Eastwood Anglo previously advised the management team on the Management Buy Out of DisplayPlan raising both equity funding and senior bank debt to fund the transaction. Successful growth post buy-out allowed the company to secure more favourable senior bank funding."
Husky
Sale of Husky to Private Investors
Acquirer / Funder
Private Investors
Value
<£5m
Deal Type
Sale
Sector
Manufacturing
Location
UK
Overview
Eastwood Anglo acted for the shareholder of Jupiter Industries Ltd, the parent company of midlands based Husky commercial refrigerators , on the sale of the share capital of Jupiter and the simultaneous sale of the Husky Guangzhou manufacturing facility to entrepreneur Serge Kremer. The transaction was complicated, involving a multi-jurisdictional completion. The company continues to thrive with its expansion into intelligent fridges and unmanned retail {Husky=www.husky.co.uk}
O'Neill Racing
Fundraise & Acquisiotn
Acquirer / Funder
N/A
Value
<£5m
Deal Type
Acquisition
Sector
Leisure & Sport
Location
France
Overview
Client: O'Neil Racing fund raise and acquisition Eastwood Anglo Corporate Finance advised successful racehorse trainer Eoghan J. O’Neill on acquiring an extensive training property in Normandy. Bill Eastwood of Eastwood Anglo Corporate Finance advised on the best and most tax efficient structure, prepared a business plan and sought funding offers to refund the interim solution. A local bank offered a 17 year mortgage with fixed annual repayments including an attractively priced fixed interest rate. Eastwood Anglo acted as adviser on the notarial transaction obviating the need for local solicitors.
Displayplan
Refinancing of Displayplan
Acquirer / Funder
Lloyds Bank Plc
Value
<£5m
Deal Type
Refinance
Sector
Manufacturing
Location
UK
Overview
Eastwood Anglo Corporate Finance advised DisplayPlan Ltd on the re-banking of its finance facilities. Eastwood Anglo previously advised the management team on the Management Buy Out of DisplayPlan in January 2012 raising both equity funding and senior bank debt to fund the transaction. Successful growth post buy-out allowed the company to secure more favourable senior bank funding.
Avocet
MBO of Avocet
Acquirer / Funder
Hotbed
Value
£22m
Deal Type
MBO
Sector
Manufacturing
Location
UK
Overview
Deal announcement: "Eastwood Anglo advised on the MBO of hardware supplier Avocet Hardware backed by Hotbed The firm manufactures and distributes locks, handles and other hardware for windows and doors as well as fixtures such as screws and nails through its door and window, and hardware divisions. Ian Jones and Michael Tuck bought the firm from its US parent Masco Corporation, a supplier of kitchen cabinets and bathroom furniture. Jones moved into the role of CEO from finance director, and Tuck took on the role of managing director in the hardware division. Kevin Harvey, a former sales director of Avocet, rejoined the company as managing director in the door and window division. Avocet operates two divisions; the door and window division manufactures door and window hardware in its two factories in China for PVCu windows, doors and conservatories. The hardware division sources and imports fixings and hardware products from overseas for the UK DIY and builders’ merchants markets. It supplies DIY retailers including Focus, Wickes and B&Q. "
Mimosa Healthcare
Growth Capital for Mimosa
Acquirer / Funder
Hotbed
Value
£15m
Deal Type
Growth Capital
Sector
Healthcare
Location
UK
Overview
Mimosa – Growth Capital and Acquisitions Client:Mimosa Transaction: Growth Capital & Acquisitions Overview Eastwood Anglo acted for Anthony Massouras’s Nottingham based Mimosa Healthcare to raise development capital consisting of a £15m equity and debt package from Hotbed and HSBC. We also advised on subsequent care home acquisitions.
Novacom
Sale of Novacomm to APC Technology Group plc
Acquirer / Funder
APC Technology Group
Value
<£5m
Deal Type
Sale
Sector
Manufacturing
Location
UK
Overview
Eastwood Anglo acted on the sale of Novacom Microwave Ltd to Advanced Power Components plc. Advanced Power Components plc announced that it has acquired the entire issued share capital of Novacom Microwave Limited (“Novacom”), a distributor and manufacturers’ representative for RF and Microwave frequency electronic components, for a maximum total consideration of approximately £1.6 million cash. Novacom operates within a highly specialised sector of the electronics market, complementary to that of APC, focusing on the defence and communications markets. Novacom has built an excellent reputation in this market sector operating a similar business model to APC, utilising a successful ‘Design In’ approach, following projects from initial design through to production, and providing customers and suppliers with an effective support capability. Mark Robinson, Chief Executive of Advanced Power Components, commented: “Novacom is an excellent fit with APC’s existing businesses. This acquisition introduces new products and expertise, broadening our offering to customers and addressing new specialist markets. The ‘Design In’ strategy common to both businesses has helped to maintain margins during what has been a difficult period for the electronics distribution industry and we look forward to reporting on the continued growth of the Company during the second half of our financial year.” {https://www.electronicspecifier.com/news/analysis/advanced-power-components-acquires-novacom-microwave-ltd/=https://www.electronicspecifier.com/news/analysis/advanced-power-components-acquires-novacom-microwave-ltd/}
Samuel Eden & Sons
MBO of Samuel Eden
Acquirer / Funder
Private Investors
Value
<£5m
Deal Type
MBO
Sector
Manufacturing
Location
UK
Overview
Buyside Adviser to the management team of Samuel Eden & Sons Ltd on its management buyout from Sherwood Group plc Background Samul Eden & Sons Ltd (a trading division of Sherwood Group Plc) was the largest UK sock manufacturer specialising in licensed character socks. Based in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts, the division had revenues of ~£18m and was the most profitable part of the Sherwood Group plc which was one of a few remaining lace manufacturers in the UK. The management team of Samuel Eden & Sons Ltd approached Eastwood Anglo for advice on a potential buy out from the listed parent. Eastwood Anglo was appointed to advise on, and raise funds for the transaction, post deal Bill Eastwood was appointed Chairman. Our role: > Advise on company valuation & agree price with management > Approach vendors and make offer on behalf of management (subject to funding) > Prepare Information Memorandum (IM) > Prepare detailed five year interactive funding model to include working capital projections for five years, headroom analysis and covenant compliance > Distribute materials to potential funders and investors > Select preferred funder / investor - negotiate terms > Draft and agree Heads with funders, management, and vendors > Advise on appointment of lawyers for vendors and management, and on scope of appointment > Manage FDD, LDD and CDD processes > Co-ordinate responses to Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) drafts and negotiate between parties to agree. > Prepare disclosure letter in conjunction with lawyers > Prepare completion funds flow > Ensure smooth completion > Advise on agreement of completion accounts post completion > Advise on post completion matters: > Board supervision > Investor relations
Morgan Tucker
Growth Capital and Acquisitions
Acquirer / Funder
Foresight
Value
<£5m
Deal Type
Growth Capital
Sector
Business Services
Location
UK
Overview
Eastwood Anglo Corporate Finance advised Morgan Tucker on raising a £1m cash injection from the £40m Foresight Nottingham Fund in a move that could create 100 jobs. The investment will support the Newark based company’s acquisition ambitions. Morgan Tucker is an award winning independent consulting engineering business with an ambitious growth strategy. Foresight Group, an independent infrastructure and private equity investment manager launched the Foresight Nottingham Fund, a £40m fund looking to invest in high growth business with a focus on Nottinghamshire and Nottingham. Eastwood Anglo Corporate Finance advised Morgan Tucker on the acquisition of North East based BES Consulting Engineers. The deal was completed just weeks after Eastwood Anglo assisted Morgan Tucker in securing a £1m cash injection from the £40 Foresight Nottingham Fund Eastwood Anglo Corporate Finance advised Newark based Morgan Tucker on the acquisition of Bolton Priesley. Managing Director Matthew Tuck said: “this acquisition of Bolton Priestley will further develop our client services in the capital by expanding our structural engineering division there.” Morgan Tucker is an independent consulting engineering business with an ambitious growth strategy
Eurofiltec
Sale of Eurofiltec to Ama Filter
Acquirer / Funder
Amafilter
Value
<£5m
Deal Type
Sale
Sector
Manufacturing
Location
UK / France
Overview
Background Bill was the founding chairman of Eurovein Ltd. Formed to buy back Sheffield wear components businesses from buyout with support from 3i and Hambros. > The overleveraged Charterhouse LBO subsequently failed, Eurovein buying back the surface treatment and filtration businesses > Floated on the London Stock Exchange for £22.5m. > Surface treatment division divested for £15m. > A new investor bought 23% stake with a strategy to develop an electronic drives business, Bill left, the group then being renamed Focus Dynamics. > Bill led a hostile public take over of the remains of the Group, Bill & Kevin retaining Eurofiltec SA – design, manufacture and supply of liquid filtration consumables and equipment to the nuclear and pharmaceuticals industries. > Eurofiltec subsequently acquired Vanpipe Ltd a pressure vessel manufacturer in Stoke-on Trent, the group being sold to Amafilter BV.
Tyzack plc
Tyzack - M&A
Acquirer / Funder
Charterhouse
Value
£42m
Deal Type
MBO
Sector
Manufacturing
Location
UK / Europe
Overview
Tyzack Plc – LSE listed. Manufacturer of wear components in Sheffield. Bill led a group of investors who acquired a minority stake, becoming executive chairman, Kevin joining the management team. They built the group up by a series of acquisitions funded by rights issues and placings: Tyzack Turner, wear components, Sheffield; Spencer & Halstead, surface treatment and filtration, West Yorks; Pangborn Europe, surface treatment, Saronno Italy; Gutmann, surface treatment, Hamburg; and Eurofiltec, filtration, Paris and Avignon. The then MD proposed an MBO backed by Charterhouse, Bill leading the investors to a successful £42m exit.
