Palatine promotions point to sustainable future
Manchester private equity investor Palatine is planning for the future with promotions of key staff, a targeted investment strategy and the hiring of three new senior recruits, as the business claims one of the most active years of investments and exits in its 17-year history.
Gary Tipper, group managing partner at Palatine, said: “We are going into 2023 with a healthy investment pipeline and a targeted sector strategy focused on environmental, business services, financial services, health, education and technology businesses. By reshaping where our most experienced people are focused, we are confident that our knowledge, decade-long commitment to sustainability, and credentials as an Impact investor will continue to prove a key differentiator for mid-market management teams seeking a partner for growth and investment.
Uniquely for a private equity firm Palatine has also achieved B Corp status in 2022, recognising the pioneering role and commitment to sustainable investing which underpins its brand purpose of ‘positive equity’.
The Manchester headquartered private equity investor has promoted Andy Strickland, Tom Ross-Jones and Sam Fazakerley to its partnership, in recognition of their long-term contribution to the business’ success.
Tom Wildig and James Painter have been promoted to senior investment director in the Buyout team and Greg Holmes has become an investment director in the Impact team. Jeanne Capouillez has been promoted to Senior Executive Assistant.
The promotions follow a highly successful year across Palatine’s two fund strategies – the Buyout Fund and the Impact Fund – which saw the mid-market specialist make six new investments and complete four exits. 2022 also saw Palatine complete 17 acquisitions across its portfolio companies, reflecting its focus on strategic buy and build opportunities.
As the business prepares for further growth it has also announced a new structure for its senior team. Beth Houghton, who leads the firm’s Impact Fund, has been named Impact managing partner, while Ed Fazakerley becomes managing partner – Value Enhancement, reflecting his focus on driving growth, innovation and collaboration across the firm’s portfolio.
Tony Dickin becomes managing partner – buyout investment, a role that covers all new investments across the UK from the firm’s buyout funds. Andy Lees has taken responsibility for the firm’s deal origination and business development teams as managing partner – new business.
Gary Tipper added: “Being able to reward our fantastic colleagues and recognise growth and development through these promotions is far and away the most satisfying outcome of what has been an incredibly busy and productive year for Palatine.”
In 2022 Palatine’s Buyout Fund invested in Midlands housebuilder Jessup, at-retirement adviser My Pensions Expert and life sciences workforce solutions provider Skills Alliance.
Its Impact Fund invested in digital healthcare services business Redmoor Health, environmental services group Cura Terrae and Inclusive Employers, the UK’s first and leading membership organisation focused on creating inclusive workplaces.
The firm also successfully exited its investments in Veincentre, CTS, Acora and Trade Skills 4U.
Founded in Manchester in 2005 Palatine is a UK mid-market private equity investor focused on delivering returns through sustainable growth by building on solid foundations with a commitment to the environment and society.
“We see private equity as a force for good. A positivity born of generating returns in the right way,” said Tipper.
