Management buy-in at architecture practice

An outside management team has acquired Sheffield architectural practice AA Design.

The business, which was founded in 1981, has been acquired by Tim Justice, Mark Hobbs, Peter Noble and Stuart Young in a management buy-in.

The team were previously at Coda Studios, an award-winning Sheffield practice, and have bought out the two founding directors of AAD. Both have now retired.

Plans are underway and the newly-rebranded AAD to create additional jobs, relocate the business to Park Hill in Sheffield and invest in the latest design equipment.

Justice said: “The four of us were presented with an unmissable opportunity to purchase a respected & established practice which has built up a fantastic reputation over the past 36 years operating successfully in a wide range of sectors.

“We were keen to modernise the firm and give it a new look and feel without alienating the loyal customer base. By rebranding as aad architects ensures the name is recognisable, while at the same time making it clearer about what we do.

“It is a bit of a homecoming for Peter, Stuart and me, as the three of us previously worked at AA Design, so we are looking forward to reestablishing relationships with some of our old clients. In the meantime, we have brought a number of clients, providing us with an excellent start.”

Max Kennedy, corporate finance lawyer at Lupton Fawcett’s Sheffield office, advised the team on the sale of shares in their previous practice and the acquisition of the shares in AA Design.

Max Kennedy, said: “I was pleased to be able to advise the team about exiting their previous firm and purchasing the new one.

“All four have impressed me with their professionalism and the high regard they are held in the region. The purchase will provide a new lease of life to the practice and a great opportunity for them to use their experience to build on the strong reputation created over more than three decades.”

Pictured: AAD Architects Tim Justice, Mark Hobbs, Pete Noble, Stuart Young, Max Kennedy of Lupton Fawcett, and David Wright.

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