Latest News from Dial Partners

Dial Partners successfully advises Growthpoint Properties on the recommended cash and share offer by NewRiver for Capital & Regional plc

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 13:58:02 GMT

Dial Partners and Rand Merchant Bank (“RMB”) acted as joint financial advisers to Growthpoint Properties Limited (JSE:GRT) (“Growthpoint”) on the recommended cash and share offer by NewRiver REIT plc (LSE:NRR) (“NewRiver”) for Capital & Regional plc (LSE:CAL) (“Capital & Regional”).

NewRiver announced today that it has reached agreement with Capital & Regional on a recommended cash and share offer. NewRiver will acquire the entire issued, and to be issued, share capital of Capital & Regional (the “Combination”) by means of a scheme of arrangement under Part 26 of the Companies Act. The Combination values Capital & Regional at approximately £147 million.

Growthpoint, as Capital & Regional’s 69% shareholder, has entered into an irrevocable undertaking to support the Combination. Following completion of the Combination, Growthpoint is expected to have a shareholding of approximately 14% in NewRiver.

Growthpoint is the largest South African Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (“JSE”), with an international property portfolio including assets in South Africa, Eastern Europe, Australia, and the UK. These are valued at approximately R178bn (approx. £7.5bn), of which approximately 45% is located offshore.

Speaking about the Combination, Dial Partners Managing Director, Sandor de Jasay, said: “We are delighted to have advised Growthpoint alongside RMB on this complex cross-border mandate to support Growthpoint in delivering value for its shareholders from its strategic majority stake in Capital & Regional.”

Dial Partners acted as joint financial advisor to Growthpoint. The Dial Partners team was led by Raymond McKeeve , Partner, supported by Sandor de Jasay , Managing Director, and Charlie Croxford , Analyst.

RMB acted as joint financial advisor and transaction sponsor to Growthpoint. The RMB team was led by Thabo Ndimande, Corporate Finance Executive, supported by, Daniela Perros and Johan van der Poel, Corporate Finance Transactors.

Dial Partners advises Helix to secure majority investment from MiddleGround Capital

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 12:07:50 GMT

London, UK, July 30, 2024: Dial Partners has advised the shareholders of Integral Powertrain Ltd. (“Helix”) to secure a majority investment from MiddleGround Capital (“MiddleGround”). This partnership will allow Helix to accelerate its business plan and capitalise on the significant expertise of MiddleGround advancing the growth of specialised manufacturing and engineering businesses.

Established in 1998 as an automotive and motorsport engineering consultancy, Helix has evolved to become a market leader in the electric mobility market as one of the most trusted sources for high-performance electric propulsion solutions in the motorsport, high-performance automotive and other e-mobility markets, with best-in-class design and engineering capabilities.

MiddleGround is an operationally-focused private equity firm that makes control investments in North American and European middle market B2B industrial and specialty distribution companies. Since the opening of their Amsterdam office in 2023, MiddleGround have completed three other transactions including the majority investment in Xtrac, a British automotive engineering company. Today, Helix marks MiddleGround’s fourth European investment and completes their Mobility Thesis.

This transaction demonstrates Dial Partners’ experience and understanding of the specialist automotive sector and builds upon the success of previous transactions involving Williams Advanced Engineering .

Speaking about the deal, Josh Knox, Director, said:

“This is a sector we love to work in and it has been a pleasure to advise Helix over the last two years. We are delighted with the outcome; MiddleGround Capital have a strong reputation when it comes to manufacturing and engineering and I’m confident their expertise will enable Helix to continue operating from strength to strength. We look forward to seeing the business grow and develop.”

Dial Partners LLP served as financial advisor to Helix and its shareholders. The transaction was led by Angus Russell, Partner, Josh Knox, Director and Charlie Croxford, Analyst.

Dial Partners supports Gama Aviation Plc on £32.6m return of capital through a tender offer and AIM delisting

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 07:28:10 GMT

Gama Aviation has today communicated to its shareholders a proposed return of up to £32.6 million and the cancellation of public trading in its shares to be considered at its General Meeting in May.

As financial adviser, Dial Partners has supported Gama Aviation to develop and execute its strategy through a series of successful transactions in recent months, culminating in the announced tender offer to shareholders and delisting from the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market (AIM).

As announced on 1 ^st March 2024, Dial Partners advised Gama Aviation on an agreement between the three major shareholders for Hutchison Capital Holdings Limited to tender all of their shares and Marwan Khalek and Bermesico Holdings Limited to undertake not to tender their shares. This agreement was a key factor in enabling Gama Aviation to increase the size of the tender offer such that all shareholders could participate without any scaling back.

Delisting from AIM allows Gama Aviation to realise permanent cost savings and will free management time; both key factors in allowing the Company to focus on executing its strategy.

Dial Partners also advised Gama Aviation on its previously announced transactions as part of this strategy, including:

The sale of Jet East in October 2023
The acquisition of Specialist Aviation Services in February 2024

Sandor de Jasay, Managing Director at Dial Partners, said: “Working with Marwan Khalek and his team at Gama Aviation on a third deal in less than a year reinforces the reputation of Dial Partners as one of the leading financial advisers for the aviation sector. We understand the needs of aviation businesses and can confidently advise leaders to manage their assets and execute their strategies effectively. We are excited to continue our work with Gama Aviation and look forward to supporting their growth opportunities over the coming years.”

The Dial Partners team was led by Angus Russell and Sandor de Jasay , with support from Joel Whittemore .

Electric mobility snapshot H2 2023: A closer look at M&A trends and opportunities and the price points of batteries

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 13:10:14 GMT

We have recently completed the second instalment of our mobility sector report, which focuses on the latest developments in the global electric vehicle market. This is an update to the H1 report, published in August 2023, and captures comprehensive market activity and key sector highlights throughout H2 2023.

In this update, you will find a detailed analysis of the battery sub-sector and the value chain of the key components in this crucial part of the EV ecosphere. EV investors will be interested to see the varying investments into batteries from household names such as Volkswagen, Nissan, and Jaguar Land Rover.

There is also an exploration of M&A opportunities in the supply chain and the key themes driving this activity, as well as recent M&A sector highlights across key areas from EV charging to electric powertrains.

The electric mobility space continues to be a key area of focus for our team and we invite you to read about the latest developments in the sector and our expert insights in the report. To read the full report, please request a copy by contacting info@dialpartnersllp.com .

Dial Partners advises Gama Aviation in its acquisition of Specialist Aviation Services

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 16:40:45 GMT

Dial Partners, Clairfield International’s partner office in London, has advised Gama Aviation Plc on the acquisition of Specialist Aviation Services.

Specialist Aviation Services is one of the leading helicopter special mission operators in the UK, operating and maintaining six Leonardo AW169 helicopters for three air ambulance charities. It acts as a Leonardo Service Centre and an MD Helicopters Service Centre from its base at Staverton airport (Gloucestershire, UK). In recent years, Specialist Aviation Services expanded its capabilities in maintenance and grew internationally including winning contracts in the Middle East in Kuwait and Bahrain.

The Ti mes has reported that "Had Specialist gone bust, the six helicopters used by air ambulances serving Kent, Surrey, West and East Sussex, Dorset, Somerset, Essex, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire would have been grounded. Last year, the six helicopters were involved in more than 5,000 incidents."

All parties were intensely focused throughout transaction on ensuring continuity of service to Specialist Aviation Services’ air ambulance charities in their life saving operations. The Civil Aviation Authority assigned Specialist’s regulatory approvals to Gama Aviation such that an orderly and safe management of change processes may take place.

This transaction demonstrates Dial Partners’ experience and understanding of the Aviation Services sector and our ability to support our clients on complex transactions, in particular during this pre-pack process.

We reaffirm our focus on delivering superior outcomes for our clients with this transaction, significantly increasing the scale of Gama Aviation's Special Mission strategic business unit and building on our prior success where we advised on the sale of the company's US MRO business , Jet East.

The deal team at Dial Partners was Angus Russel , Sandor de Jasay and Joel Whittemore .

Dial Partners London welcomes Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) into its new partnership with Clairfield International

jonney@rhizomeconsulting.com (Jonathan Taee) — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 16:07:51 GMT

Dial Partners in London is delighted to highlight the partnership between Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) and Clairfield International, officially announced on January 19th, 2024, in Johannesburg and Geneva. Dial Partners, as a partner firm of Clairfield International, is thrilled to be a part of this collaboration, which signifies a shared commitment to global expansion and the provision of high-quality corporate finance advisory solutions for our clients.

The Dial Partners London team is already working closely with the RMB team to open doors for RMB and its corporate clients into the important UK market, where our expertise and local knowledge play a crucial role in facilitating corporate transactions.

This partnership will also position RMB as the gateway for Dial Partners clients to access South Africa, Nigeria, and the broader sub-Saharan African market. With RMB's unrivaled track record in corporate finance advisory in sub-Saharan Africa, consistently ranking at the top of league tables in South Africa and Nigeria, we are confident that our clients will now have unparalleled access to opportunities in this region.

We are optimistic about the long-term growth prospects in Africa. The demand for infrastructure, rapid urbanisation, and technological advancements present significant business opportunities across the continent. By collaborating with RMB's extensive corporate finance team on the ground, we can expand our advisory services for clients throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Dial Partners, as a partner firm of Clairfield International, advises entrepreneurs, multinational corporations, and financial investors on M&A and other corporate finance solutions. With over 30 country teams worldwide, we excel in cross-border situations. Clairfield International Partner firms have successfully completed 780 transactions totaling EUR 30 billion in disclosed deal value over the past five years.

To learn more about the partnership with RMB and the exciting prospects it brings, visit Clairfield.com .

Dial Partners advises Gama Aviation on sale of Jet East

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 17:48:06 GMT

Dial Partners, Clairfield International ’s partner office in London, is advising Gama Aviation Plc on the proposed sale of Jet East , its US business jet Maintenance & Repair Organisation, to West Star Aviation for $131m. The transaction creates the largest business aviation MRO globally.

Jet East is a US business aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul company created in 2021 from the merger of Jet East and Gama Aviation’s existing US MRO operations. Jet East has subsequently performed strongly, benefitting from a highly committed management team, a complementary nationwide network of operations, strong customer relationships, cost savings from rationalisation of operations and considerable investment including standing up new facilities in Millville, Las Vegas and Statesville.

West Star, owned by The Sterling Group , is a provider of MRO services to the business aviation industry in the US providing maintenance, modification, and other services to aviation customers. West Star provides services at four primary locations in the US namely East Alton, Illinois; Grand Junction, Colorado; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Perryville, Missouri, as well as fifteen mobile repair bases and satellite MRO facilities. West Star also provides parts distribution and composite repair services through its Avant and DAS businesses respectively.

This transaction demonstrates Dial Partners’ experience and understanding of the Aviation Services sector and our ability to support our clients on complex cross-border transactions. This transaction reaffirms our focus to deliver superior outcomes for our clients and their shareholders.

Electric mobility snapshot H1 2023: decoding the driving forces

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 11:13:57 GMT

In our latest sector snapshot, Angus Russell and Josh Knox summarise the most pertinent developments in the ever-evolving electric mobility sector.

The electric vehicle market in 2023 is witnessing a dynamic interplay of various factors. Supply chain pressures, exacerbated by high energy prices, are influencing the landscape, while economic stabilization and legislative support act as driving forces for further growth. Supply-chain consolidation is becoming a notable trend, as larger players seek to absorb smaller niche companies to harness cost-saving synergies in the face of rising costs that threaten margins.

Throughout the value chain, challenges are arising, necessitating innovative approaches to maintain sustainability and profitability. Among the critical aspects under scrutiny is battery technology and its associated costs, a pivotal focus for the industry’s future success.

Even the aviation industry is taking bold strides in embracing electric mobility. Major companies worldwide are investing significantly in research and development to explore electric aircraft capabilities. This promising trend is poised to unlock exciting opportunities in the years to come.

Join us as we navigate the currents of the electric mobility sector and uncover the transformative potential of this burgeoning industry at this link .

Clairfield Outlook 2023: How Do You Define Success?

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 10:38:37 GMT

Our annual Clairfield Outlook: How Do You Define Success? centres around our company’s new motto, “Defined by Your Success,” and in it, we asked industry leaders to discuss and dissect how they define success. We delve into how business leaders determine what success is in their businesses and what sets successful investors and entrepreneurs apart. Additionally, we examine the role of failure in the pursuit of success.

Read it here: Clairfield Annual Outlook 2023

Dial Partners hosts the Clairfield Partners' meeting in London

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 16:01:42 GMT

One of Clairfield’s most cherished values is the strong connection among our 25 country teams. Our Partner Meetings are a wonderful opportunity to nurture these connections.

Our Q3 meeting in London bought together our Partners from Europe, Brazil, Mexico, Canada and Turkey for two days of engaging presentations and office to office meetings covering a variety of topics.

We’d like to give a special thank you to our diverse and dynamic speakers who joined us at our Clairfield Partners’ conference last week: Dr Liam Fox MP , Kathy Bowman-Williams , Jane Haxby , Jon Aarons , Mark Joseph , Luke Farajallah , Mark Redman , Graham Ellis and Achim Mauruschat .

We came away with lots to think about, and the overlying theme of the two days was to remain active and optimistic in these uncertain times.

One of the key takeaways was the range of business opportunities offered by sustainable investment and new technologies for a better world, a theme which continues to build steam across all sectors and markets. Clairfield has a special interest in working with businesses that promote sustainable and ethical investment opportunities.

Kathy Bowman-Williams and Jane Haxby spoke on a subject that Clairfield feels very strongly about - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in our workplace. Clairfield is eager to not only recruit, but also mentor and support women in the tough but rewarding environment of M&A.

Thank you Kathy and Jane for your advice and we congratulate their law firm, Squire Patton Boggs , for achieving and exceeding diversity objectives under Kathy’s guidance!

The Clairfield Academy is run in parallel to Clairfield’s partner events, the sessions are part of Clairfield’s commitment to educating and mentoring young talent and creating bonds among our junior staff worldwide where our young people gain insight into sectors, hear expert speakers, hone technical skills, and create bonds with our junior staff worldwide.

The London Academy program included talks on technical matters including public company takeovers, interest rates, and debt, as well as building and valuing a sustainable business. We were thrilled to be able to offer this in the very fitting setting of The Library at The Caledonian Club in the heart of London.

The highlight of this quarter’s Academy meet-up was undoubtedly the presentation and workshop on persuasion and presentation skills by Jane Cool . Feedback from our Academy colleagues has been extremely positive; this workshop “gave us useful insights into the corporate communication styles while simultaneously pushing us to practice these skills. Jane engaged everyone in the room from the outset with a high level of energy and direct communication style,” and “we learnt useful tips to help us when communicating with clients.” Through such workshops, our analysts learn more skills to practise in a real-world setting and gain a competitive edge.

The second day of the Academy saw talks from Andrea Jagodic , Francesco Podesta , Sandor de Jasay and Mike Barnes . Clairfield regards career development as a priority, so the academy program is designed and constantly evolves to train, educate, and inspire our latest recruits for future success.

We finished the day with a fantastic reception at the Cavalry & Guards Club where it was wonderful to connect with friends and colleagues, both old and new!

We’re looking forward to seeing our international colleagues again at the next Clairfield Partners’ meeting early next year!

Sector snapshot: Aviation Special Missions

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 08:42:55 GMT

Dial Partners takes a deep dive into M&A activity in aviation special missions in this sector snapshot. With a global market worth USD 50 billion annually and active consolidation, this activity has been a key subject in our business services discussions lately.

Please view the sector snapshot here:

To take the discussion further please reach out to us.

Dial Partners advised Carlbom Group on the sale of Carlbom Shipping to Pentagon Freight Services Plc

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 15:41:55 GMT

Historic Humber shipping company acquired by global logistics leader

Carlbom Shipping, which has served UK and international shipping clients since 1897 has been acquired by Pentagon Freight Services, the world’s leading privately owned logistics provider to the energy industries. Dial Partners, the London partner firm of Clairfield International, advised Carlbom Group on the sale of its shares in Carlbom Shipping.

Pentagon, which operates in 72 locations globally and employs over 1100 people, has completed the acquisition of Humber-based Carlbom, to further enhance its worldwide service provision and secure a new strategic location in Europe. The deal will enable Pentagon to offer a seamless end-to-end service to clients, including a full suite of ships agency services, complete with fully integrated IT systems, and enhance its service offering to the renewable sector.

Established in London, in 1974, Pentagon has a fifth of its workforce in the UK, operating in Aberdeen, Dartford, Glasgow, Newcastle and Great Yarmouth. By acquiring Carlbom, a family-run ships agency, Pentagon reinforces its strength in vessel and cargo handling, adding an important facility at the busy Humber ports of Immingham, Grimsby and Hull.

Established in the late 19 ^th century with strong Scandinavian connections, Carlbom has enjoyed an enviable reputation for offering a highly proactive service and efficient vessel turnaround. The company’s location and skills base has allowed it to enter the renewable energy market, particularly the North Sea offshore wind farms, including managing the warehousing, logistics, and procurement for the regional offshore supply chain.

CEO of Pentagon Freight Services, Ashley Taylor, said: “We are delighted to complete the acquisition of Carlbom Shipping. It was clear from the start that there is a great deal of synergy between our companies and together we can combine to deliver an enhanced service to all our clients, from traditional ships agency, to logistics, warehousing, customs brokerage, and procurement.

“The Carlbom team and its expertise in ships agency and offshore wind are a highly valuable addition to the Pentagon Group and we look forward to building on Carlbom’s impressive heritage.”

Camilla Carlbom Flinn, chairman of Carlbom Shipping Ltd, added: “Pentagon Freight is the perfect partner for Carlbom Shipping. It was very important to us to find a partner with a similar background – a family-run company that invests in people and shares the same vision for delivering outstanding service to clients locally and internationally.

“Pentagon’s strength and expertise in logistics from within the oil and gas sector means they can bring in-house knowledge to the offshore and renewables sector and combine it with our expertise in the maritime industry to provide a seamless service to our clients.”

For more information visit

https://www.pentagonfreight.com / or contact:

Michael Stal, Managing Director UK:

michael.stal@pentagonfreight.com Tel: +44 1224 405600.

https://carlbom.co.uk/ or contact Camilla Carlbom Flinn, Director:

camilla.carlbom@carlbom.co.uk Tel: +44 1469 571 387.

https://dialpartnersllp.com/ or contact Stephen Willis, Partner:

stephenwillis@dialpartnersllp.com Tel: +44 20 7098 7098.

https://clairfield.com/ or contact Stephen Willis, Partner:

swillis@clairfield.com Tel: +44 20 7098 7098.

Premium residential property development secures £25m funding

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 09:25:09 GMT

Dial Partners LLP has successfully raised £25 million of financing, in a combination of equity, senior and mezzanine, to fund the Project Wisteria development to completion.

The project is a gated secure development of 12 substantial executive homes in the prime location of Englefield Green, near Egham in Surrey, with a gross development value of over £45 million.

Detailed planning consent has been awarded by Runnymede Borough Council to create the exclusive community with landscaped gardens in the heart of the village, close to Windsor Great Park.

Each individual plot provides accommodation over three floors with garaging, at least two car parking spaces and individual landscaped gardens.

The Surrey-based specialist housebuilder Octagon Homes will be responsible for constructing, marketing and selling the properties, under a fixed price contract. Each home will carry the Octagon guarantee of excellence.

Joining Dial Partners in the funding of Project Wisteria are Investec and a private investment fund.

Clairfield Annual Outlook 2022: Innovative Businesses

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 13:17:56 GMT

Clairfield International is pleased to announce the publication of our Clairfield Annual Outlook 2022, which looks at themes in innovation. This focus on innovative businesses connects to both our thriving technology client advisory practice and our observation that all sectors are looking to innovate and acquire new technologies.

What environments are conducive to innovation? What are the main drivers? We tackle these questions from an M&A perspective and then ask experts in their fields. We look at new techniques applied to traditional businesses such as railways and retail in interviews with business leaders and innovators. We devote an entire section to the topic of feeding the future using innovative practices in agriculture, with interviews with a country leader and with entrepreneurs.

Read it here: Clairfield Annual Outlook 2022

Dial Partners is advising EMK Capital and WGPE on the £164m sale of Williams Advanced Engineering to Fortescue Metals Group.

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 14:59:24 GMT

Dial Partners is advising EMK Capital an d Williams Grand Prix Engineering on the £164m sale of Williams Advanced Engineering to Fortescue Metals Group . Dial advised EMK on the acquisition of a controlling interest in WAE in 2020.

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Founded in 2010 as part of the Formula 1 motorsports business Williams Grand Prix Engineering, today WAE is a technology and engineering services business. The company provides world class technical innovation, engineering, testing and manufacturing services to deliver energy efficient performance to customers. Its core capabilities are in new materials, electrification and advanced battery technology, aerodynamics and thermodynamics, business performance and specialist low volume manufacturing applied across all sectors, in particular automotive, motorsport, aerospace, defence and mining.

Fortescue is an Australia based mining company with a market capitalization of AUD 66 billion. Established in 2003, with mining hubs and haulage infrastructure based in Western Australia, Fortescue is one of the world’s largest producers of iron ore. In addition to ongoing investments in renewable energy to power its iron ore operations, Fortescue is also undertaking a range of initiatives to replace its mobile diesel fleet by using hydrogen energy and electric battery solutions. Through Fortescue Future Industries (FFI), its renewable energy and technology division, Fortescue is establishing a global portfolio of green hydrogen operations.

The acquisition of WAE provides critical technology and expertise in high-performance battery systems and electrification to support the decarbonisation of Fortescue’s mining operations. Together, Fortescue and WAE will develop electric battery solutions for Fortescue’s rail, mobile haul fleet and other heavy mining equipment to accelerate the achievement of Fortescue’s environmental targets, in addition to growing WAE’s world-leading technology and engineering business.

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Automotive Electrification Industy Snapshot

Fri, 21 May 2021 08:14:45 GMT

Automotive Electrification Industry Snapshot

Clairfield International has deep experience and excellent connections in the automotive technology sector. In this sector snapshot, Dial Partner LLP looks specifically at electric automotive technology. Environmental concerns, legislation, and technology developments are driving fundamental and rapid change in an industry worth about USD 5 trillion per year.

Our team pays special attention to the following areas:

• Automotive battery technology and control systems

• Electric vehicle drivetrain

• Lightweighting

• Charging

• Autonomous vehicles

Read the snapshot here.

Richard Bard joins Dial Partners as a Senior Advisor

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 14:12:50 GMT

Dial Partners LLP is pleased to welcome Richard Bard to the firm’s panel of Senior Advisors.

Richard is the founder and CEO of Bard Capital Group, a private equity and venture capital firm which invests in late stage and middle-market companies across a full range of sectors, including technology, manufacturing, distribution, retail & franchise, infrastructure, real estate, and banking. Richard has previously held senior leadership positions at multiple publicly-traded businesses, namely as President/CFO of FoxMeyer Corporation, CEO of CoastAmerica Corporation, CEO of Optical Security Group and CEO of ComputerLand Corporation.

Richard is the former Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and the current Chair of the Board of Visitors at Smeal College of Business at Pennsylvania State University. He is an Ellis Island Medal of Honor Awardee from the U.S. Congress.

Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE joins Dial Partners as a Senior Advisor

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 12:55:56 GMT

London, 16 March 2021 – Dial Partners LLP, the London-based corporate advisory firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE to the firm’s panel of Senior Advisors. Baroness McGregor-Smith will contribute to Dial Partners’ continued growth through business development and strategic counsel across the firm’s corporate advisory.

Baroness McGregor-Smith is a former FTSE-250 Chief Executive with an impressive business reputation spanning over two decades. Between 2007 and 2016, Baroness McGregor-Smith was Chief Executive Officer of Mitie Group plc, a strategic outsourcing company, where she previously held the roles of Chief Operating Officer and Group Financial Director. She is currently President of the British Chambers of Commerce and is also Chair of the Airport Operators Association, having previously served as Chair of the Women’s Business Council from 2012 to 2016. In 2011, Baroness McGregor-Smith was awarded a CBE for services to Business and Diversity in Business. She was nominated as a Conservative life peer in August 2015.

Andrew Taee MBE, Chairman and Founder of Dial Partners, commented: “We are delighted that Baroness McGregor-Smith is joining the Dial Partners panel of Senior Advisors. Her impressive career and advocacy for UK business will bring invaluable experience to Dial Partners’ clients and complement the expertise of our talented team of senior practitioners.”

Baroness McGregor-Smith CBE, said: “Andrew and the team have firmly established Dial Partners’ reputation as a trusted advisor to a wide range of businesses. I am pleased to be joining the firm at a time when the need for high-quality and experience-driven independent advice is in demand from UK and international companies looking to navigate complex challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities.”

Dial Partners is active in many sectors, including aerospace & defence, industrials, and TMT. Recent transactions on which it has advised include the sale of US-based industrial equipment business Blastrac to the Husqvarna Group; the acquisition by EMK Capital of Williams Advanced Engineering from Williams Formula 1; the investment by SCP Neptune International in Vivino, the world’s leading online wine marketplace; and the acquisition by Shanghai-listed CIH of special effects business Framestore.

Clairfield Annual Outlook 2021: Thriving in Uncertainty

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:51:49 GMT

Clairfield International is pleased to announce the publication of our Clairfield Outlook 2021 , a look at the many changes in business and in M&A brought upon by the events of last year and, most importantly, what is on the horizon for the year ahead. Our theme this year is thriving in uncertainty and we are pleased to share observations on resilience from many different viewpoints.

In addition to observations from Clairfield financial advisors on M&A during periods of uncertainty, we feature perspectives on how to thrive in this challenging time from industry leaders in diverse sectors. We also look at the impact of Brexit on M&A and share the outlook for Italy, Brazil, India, and Japan, all areas where Clairfield welcomed new partners in 2020.

Read it here: Clairfield Outlook 2021

Peter Prince joins Dial Partners as a Senior Advisor

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 00:21:48 GMT

London, 17 February 2021

Dial Partners LLP, the London-based corporate finance advisory firm, has announced the appointment of technology sector specialist Peter Prince to thfirm’s panel of Senior Advisors, where he will provide strategic counsel and transaction support across the full spectrum of the firm’s activities.

Peter has more than 30 years of executive management and finance experience in the enterprise technology sector and now acts as a trusted advisor to privately-held technology companies, specializing in capital funding and buy and sell side M&A transactions. Most recently, he was Senior Vice President of Corum Group, a leading U.S. boutique investment bank, and previously held senior positions in various privately held and publicly traded companies across Europe, Australasia and the United States.

Andrew Taee MBE, Chairman and Founder of Dial Partners, commented: “Peter is a well-respected corporate leader with extensive experience in enterprise technology and a strong global network. We are delighted to have him on board and available to support our advisory work for Dial Partners clients.”

About Dial Partners

Founded in 2009, Dial Partners LLP is an independent corporate finance advisory firm, offering the highest quality advice, from strategy to deal structuring and execution, unlocking the potential within complex corporate transactions. Dial Partners offers discreet, independent and unconflicted advice having served as trusted advisors to major private and public corporations, institutions, entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals and family offices. The executive team and panel of Senior Advisors include high calibre practitioners who have held senior positions in investment banks and other prominent advisory firms. In 2021, Dial Partners joined Clairfield International, the international corporate finance firm, as a partner in the United Kingdom. Dial Partners is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Media Contact:

Jon Aarons

Sard Verbinnen & Co (SVC)

+44 7810 752200

DialPartners-SVC@sardverb.com

The impact of Brexit on UK and European M&A activity

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 20:42:44 GMT

With the situation coming into focus, we expect M&A activity to flourish.

Market reaction

Ever since the Brexit referendum vote in June 2016, through to the actual separation of the UK from the rest of the EU on the first of this year, M&A activity in the UK and throughout Europe has continued without marked disruption. A few UK transactions were stalled and even cancelled altogether in the immediate aftermath of the vote and the consequent 20% decline in the UK currency. The heated Article 50 withdrawal negotiations, and the prolonged polemics and media commentary through which they were observed, created further market uncertainty which affected some prominent transactions, including the withdrawal from a GBP 2.9 billion takeover of Intu Properties by a bidding consortium comprising Peel Group, the Olayan Group, and Brookfield Property Group in 2018 due to “uncertainty around macroeconomic conditions.” Generally, however, UK M&A activity has prospered despite a backdrop of four years of political and regulatory uncertainty. Now that uncertainty has been removed, there are some good reasons for the M&A market to remain even more robust going forward.

The weaker currency has created opportunities in the UK for overseas buyers, and we have certainly seen an increased number of foreign purchasers for UK assets, notably Comcast’s GBP 37 billion takeover of Sky plc (2018), US-based Advent’s GBP 4.1 billion acquisition of Cobham plc (2020), and Hong Kong’s CK Asset Holdings purchase of Greene King for GBP 2.7 billion (2019). The pound has recovered since the signing of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) on December 30, 2020 and is now trading at less than 10% below its pre-referendum level. Together with lessening economic and political instability, that trend may provide increased opportunities in the EU for UK-based acquirors, particularly private equity funds.

The weeks immediately following the Trade and Cooperation Agreement have seen some initial practical, logistical, and other teething problems arising from the fact that the TCA was only finally agreed within a few days of the December 31st deadline for the UK withdrawal. Politicians and their diplomatic appointees in both the US and Europe are well accustomed to last minute deals, but such diplomacy can cause difficulty for commerce and business to respond to the changing regulations. The confusion has disrupted crossborder freight transport and certificate of origin documentation for trading in goods and particularly in animal products. EU-UK e-commerce traffic has been disrupted by the complexities of adopting new VAT procedures. Some of these procedural and logistical issues will be resolved by businesses and regulators working together in good faith under the direction of 15 specialized Trade Partnership committees, as prescribed by the TCA, but certain sectors are likely to see a re-balancing of local businesses versus crossborder exports into and out of the UK.

Brexit has generated opportunities for UK businesses to acquire an EU presence as a result of the UK withdrawal from the single market, and will continue to do so. We have already seen increased investment by UK businesses in EU-based operations in regulated services sectors such as funds management, insurance, fintech, and wealth management, where UK business owners have established subsidiary operations in EU jurisdictions. France’s Europe Minister has highlighted up to 20 banks and institutions that have established Paris operations since 2016 in order to regain passporting of banking services to customers in other EU countries. We can expect UK and US business owners in those sectors to increase their appetite for acquisitions of business operations already servicing those sectors. Other sectors trading finished goods, such as e-commerce retailing, can be expected to increase their direct investments in warehousing and distribution within the EU internal market, and to be motivated to respond quickly by acquiring existing businesses with established logistics infrastructure and retailing systems.

The UK internal market remains the largest non-EU market for EU exporters. EU businesses currently supplying their UK customers are required to adapt their supply chains for the post-Brexit trading environment and VAT procedures. Multinationals operating in manufacturing industry sectors with established complex and regulated export supply chains such as automotive, electrical goods, white goods, and so on, will be able to adapt readily to these challenges. For many medium-size businesses in the EU it will be advantageous to acquire businesses already operating within the separate jurisdiction of the UK single market.

M&A law and operations

Private and public company M&A activity is largely governed by English contract law. This is likely to remain the case after Brexit. English law has long been the preferred choice of jurisdiction for shipping and aviation, banking, and other international transactions. Some international companies may seek to have transactions governed by other legal jurisdictions as a result of the reduced influence of the UK within the EU, but the day-to-day process of buying and selling a company is likely to remain largely unaffected by the withdrawal of the UK from the EU and the oversight of the European Court.

Brexit will have a greater legal impact in other areas of corporate life and the underlying legal issues. These include laws governing intellectual property, data protection, employment, and commercial contracts. Changes to the regime governing customs procedures and product and health regulations and their effect on supply chains will have a greater impact on the day-to-day operations of EU and UK businesses. Areas such as merger control and personal data have become heavily reliant on EU regulatory standards; legal and operational changes to such standards could have a knock-on effect on M&A legal and due diligence processes.

Public takeovers

The regime governing public takeovers is likely to remain largely unaffected by Brexit, despite the trans-European dimension. The City of London is a key financial center for public markets and investment institutions, and the regime regulating public company takeovers is unlikely to change in an immediate post-Brexit world. The precise details for the equivalence regime in the UK are currently being negotiated by the regulators concerned but are expected to enable a competitive environment for financial services without driving capital and markets away from UK and Europe to North America and Asia.

An increasing trend for publicly listed companies is to consider divesting subsidiaries or divisions into private ownership, or in some cases, for the entire company to be taken private. This may in part be a consequence of the indirect regulatory and market impacts of Brexit on those parts of a company which are most affected by such challenges, which in turn may lead to value opportunities for acquirors, both strategic buyers and private equity.

Crossborder transactions

There is no overarching framework in the EU that governs international mergers and acquisitions and each transaction is governed by the country jurisdiction in which the parties have chosen to base the deal. The impact of Brexit will remain largely immaterial to crossborder transactions and how these are structured.

Looking beyond Europe, the TCA enables the UK to develop trade and investment policies and relationships as an independent member of the WTO. Businesses in North and South America and from the Asia Pacific region, for example, can expect an opening of markets and increase in M&A activity into and out of the UK, reflecting a more open and liberal stance towards trade and investment.

There have been recent press reports that the EU may, as a direct result of Brexit, be minded to add British Overseas Territories, including the Channel Islands and the British Virgin Islands, to its tax haven blacklist – whereas previously these territories, a feature in many corporate acquisition structures, had protection by virtue of the UK’s membership of the EU. This could, if the remaining 27 member states so decide, have a material impact on the tax structuring of M&A transactions.

As the Trade and Cooperation Agreement settles down and the vaccination programs roll out during 2021 (other global circumstances notwithstanding) there is likely to be less political and market uncertainty, which should allow greater confidence to enable M&A activity to flourish both in the UK and the EU.

Vivino Closes USD 155 Million Series D Funding Round

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 00:21:47 GMT

Vivino, the world’s largest mobile wine app, closed a USD 155 million Series D funding round. Dial Partners, Clairfield’s partner firm in London, advised Vivino’s largest shareholder, SCP Neptune International. Joining SCP Neptune International to support the next phase of Vivino’s development is Swedish investment firm Kinnevik AB.

SCP Neptune International is a private investment firm led by the family office of Christophe Navarre, former Moet Hennessy CEO and chairman of Vivino and VinExpo, and member of the Heineken Advisory Board.

Vivino is the world’s most downloaded mobile wine app and is the largest online wine marketplace, with a community of 50 million wine enthusiasts and 700 marketplace partners worldwide. The company has posted a 100% annual growth rate for the last seven years and a 103% increase in year-over-year sales in 2020.

Dial Partners has advised SCP Neptune International, whose chairman Christophe Navarre is also chairman of Vivino, on the group’s investment in Vivino since 2015, supporting the company’s previous Series B and Series C funding rounds in 2016 and 2018, respectively. This latest round brings Vivino’s total funds raised to date to $221 million. The Dial Partners team was led by managing director Nabhan El Haddad.

Nabhan El Haddad commented, “We are pleased to continue our successful partnership with SCP Neptune International on its investment in Vivino. Under Neptune’s ownership, Vivino has gone from strength to strength and it is a privilege to be part of the company’s growth story. We look forward to supporting chairman Christophe Navarre and his talented team as they continue to drive Vivino’s exceptional growth in the e-commerce sector.”

Dial Partners Joins Clairfield International Partnership

website@sitemodify.com (Website Editor) — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 00:21:48 GMT

Dial Partners LLP and Clairfield International are pleased to announce that Dial Partners has joined Clairfield as an additional partner firm in the United Kingdom. This will expand Dial Partners’ international reach and bring insight and access to a global partnership of like-minded corporate financiers. Clairfield partner firms and clients will benefit from a dedicated investment banking presence in London. Dial Partners will work alongside Orbis Partners Ltd (Clairfield’s existing UK partner firm based in Birmingham) to extend Clairfield’s footprint in the United Kingdom, significantly enhancing access to London-based investors, FTSE 100, and FTSE 250 listed corporates and public M&A opportunities.

Dial Partners is a leading, London-based international corporate finance advisory business. The senior executive team members have extensive advisory experience at major investment banks, including Citigroup, Gleacher Shacklock, Kleinwort, Lazard, Morgan Stanley, Nomura International, and Perella Weinberg. The firm also retains a panel of Senior Advisors who have held prominent roles in their respective industries. Dial Partners is active in many sectors, in particular Aerospace & Defence, Industrials, and TMT. Recent transactions on which it has advised include the sale of US-based industrial equipment business Blastrac to the Husqvarna Group; the acquisition by private equity firm EMK of Williams Advanced Engineering from Williams Formula 1; the Series C fund raising for Vivino, the world’s leading online wine marketplace; and the acquisition by Shanghai-listed CIH of special effects business Framestore.

Clairfield operates throughout Europe, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific region. With over 300 corporate finance professionals and industry experts, it is today one of the leading independent international corporate finance firm and ranks as one of the top independent M&A advisors in the Refinitiv league tables. Since 2010 Clairfield has partnered in the UK with Orbis Partners in Birmingham, whose team focuses on M&A and strategic advice to the SME sector, private businesses, and entrepreneurs.

The founding partners of Dial were closely involved as original members of Clairfield International at its inception in 2005. Dial Partners has worked closely with the Clairfield partner firms over the intervening years and has now formally joined the partnership to provide its clients with seamless access to specialist local knowledge in more than 20 countries globally as well as superior sector expertise.

“By joining Clairfield International, we are combining our core advisory capabilities, knowledge and access in the London market with direct access to local corporate finance expertise around the world, strengthening our ability to advise clients in crossborder

transactions,” says Andrew Taee MBE, chairman of Dial Partners. “Today, Dial Partners has an established reputation as an independent advisory firm offering the highest quality financial advice and execution. We are delighted that we are now extending our offering throughout the Clairfield organisation and to Clairfield clients.”

“We are delighted that Clairfield now has a greatly enhanced presence in the UK market, combining forces with Dial Partners. Dial has deep access and capability in this important market, and they share our focus on providing the highest quality advice to clients,” says Alexander Klemm, executive chairman of Clairfield International. “We have known the Dial team for many years and look forward to working more closely with them. Together with our long-standing partner Orbis Partners, Clairfield now has offices in London and Birmingham, and a combined team of some 40 professionals and advisors in the UK.”

“Our long-standing partnership with Clairfield has been a success in serving our clients and supporting our crossborder capabilities. Our closer strategic relationship with Dial Partners will provide greater access to larger corporates and public company market. This perfectly complements our entrepreneurial SME client and investment base and we believe will generate many synergies between our firms,” says Chris Gregory, senior partner at Orbis Partners.

About Dial Partners LLP

Dial Partners LLP is an independent corporate finance advisory firm offering the highest quality financial advice and execution. The executive team members and Senior Advisors have held prominent roles in their respective industries, pairing a wealth of knowledge with access to decision makers at the highest levels of business in the UK and internationally.

The firm combines in-depth industry expertise with market leading advisory skills, delivered within a highly confidential and unconflicted framework. The firm cultivates relationships over years, serving as trusted advisors to major private and public corporations, institutions, entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals and family offices.

Dial was founded in 2009 and has grown by recruiting high calibre practitioners who have held senior positions in investment banks and other prominent advisory firms, as well as expanding our panel of Senior Advisors.

Dial Partners LLP is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

About Clairfield International and Orbis Partners

Clairfield International is a partnership of leading corporate finance firms around the world, providing advisory services for large companies, private investors and private equity, public sector clients, and family businesses. Clairfield acts as one firm, providing a seamless advisory offering to clients globally, particularly in cross border M&A transactions.

Clairfield is headquartered in Europe with locations in every major region worldwide. Through on-the-ground teams, Clairfield offers clients access to local corporate businesses and investors combined with a deep understanding of local regulations and cultures as well as key decision makers.

Clairfield ranks as one of the top independent M&A advisors in the annual, worldwide, European, US, Latin American, and Asian Pacific league tables by Refinitiv. Clairfield has partnered with Orbis Partners in the UK since 2010. Orbis is based in Birmingham.

For further information, contact: Andrew Taee MBE, Chairman

Dial Partners LLP

Tel: +44 20 7098 7098

andrewtaee@dialhouse.com

http://www.dialpartnersllp.com/

Alexander Klemm, Executive Chairman

Clairfield International

Tel: +41 22 518 9242

aklemm@clairfield.com

www.clairfield.com

Dial Partners Advised on the Sale of Blastrac to Husqvarna Group

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 20:31:17 GMT

Dial Partners is pleased to announce that it advised Bard Capital on its sale of Blastrac to Husqvarna Group. Blastrac is a leading international manufacturer and distributor of industrial equipment for surface preparation. Husqvarna is a Sweden-based industrial group with a market capitalization of $6.2bn. Blastrac will be combined with its Construction Division.

About Blastrac

Blastrac is the world leading manufacturer and distributor of surface preparation technologies for the global construction and remediation industry. The product portfolio includes high-quality and efficient solutions for shot blasting, scarifying, scraping, grinding & polishing and dust collection. Its equipment and systems are designed for surface preparation of asphalt roads, runways, concrete, steel, brick, stone and other substrates in industrial, commercial and residential settings.

Blastrac’s annual sales are approximately $70m. The company has 380 employees globally with manufacturing and sales offices in North America, Europe and Asia with sales in more than 80 countries.

Since 2005, Blastrac has been wholly owned by Bard Capital, a private equity group based in Denver, Colorado. Dial Partners is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Bard Capital.

About Husqvarna Group

Husqvarna Group is a global leading producer of outdoor power products and innovative solutions for forest, park, and garden care. Products include chainsaws, trimmers, robotic lawn mowers and ride-on lawn mowers. The Group is also the European leader in garden watering products and a global leader in cutting equipment and diamond tools for the construction and stone industries.

Its Construction Division develops, manufactures and sells light construction equipment, diamond tools for concrete sawing and drilling, concrete surfaces and floors and light remote demolition.

Husqvarna has global sales of SEK 43bn ($5.0bn) and a market capitalization of SEK 53bn ($6.2bn)

Henric Andersson, President & CEO of Husqvarna Group, said: “The acquisition of Blastrac strengthens and complements our organic growth ambitions, as we are further expanding into complementary surface preparation solutions. This will enable us to provide customers with a complete range of solutions for any given surface preparation task.”

For further information, contact:

Angus Russell

Partner, Dial Partners LLP

Tel: +44 207 098 7098

Chairman Andrew Taee Receives MBE

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 20:26:24 GMT

Dial Partners’ Chairman and Founder, Andrew Taee, was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2021 Queen's New Year’s Honours List in recognition of 25 years of support and exceptional achievements on behalf of Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital and other charitable works.

Andrew has provided support to Great Ormond Street on numerous board initiatives and is currently a fundraising patron, a title bestowed upon a small number of ambassadors in recognition of their outstanding long-term support and ongoing commitment to the charity. He has also historically served on the GOSH Appeal Board.

In addition to his work with Great Ormond Street, Andrew serves as the special events patron for the Marie Curie Charity, an organisation which provides care and support to people with terminal illnesses and their families. He previously held the Chairmanship of the Charity Clay Pigeon Shoot Limited, a not-for-profit company which has held multiple events on behalf of numerous charities. Andrew was formerly Chairman of the board of governors of Bishopsgate School, where he served for 20 years, and a founding Trustee and member of the board of the Millfield School Foundation, where he served for 10 years.