International PE firm’s belief in post-Brexit Britain

International investment firm Waterland Private Equity is to open its sixth European office in Manchester.

The company already has bases in Bussum in the Netherlands, Antwerp in Belgium, the German cities of Düsseldorf and Munich and Warsaw in Poland.

The Manchester office will source direct platform transactions in the lower mid-market with a focus to expand those companies across the UK and Europe, in line with the wider buy-and-build strategy Waterland has implemented successfully since the foundation of the firm in 1999.
 
Hans Scheepers, managing partner of Waterland in the Netherlands, explained: “The decision to open an office in the UK is a natural step in the firm’s expansion strategy.

“Furthermore, we believe that the Brexit vote will present significant investment opportunities in the UK.

“We can help UK companies pursue European growth strategies using our existing presence and network across Europe.

“By doing this, it will create a natural hedge for them so that they not only have revenues and financing in sterling, but also in euros.”

During the last five years, Waterland has successfully supported its existing European platform companies with bolt-on acquisitions of UK based businesses and in October 2016, it made a first investment in a UK platform asset, by acquiring a majority stake in a fifth generation family business, operating in the waste recycling industry. 

The first UK hire is senior investment manager, Ryan Hallworth. Formerly of DC Advisory and Deloitte, Hallworth, 33, has operated in the UK mid-market for more than 10 years.

In addition, Phil Goodwin, the former UK head of mid-market private equity house, Montagu will provide strategic input in a non-executive capacity.

Goodwin brings a wealth of experience having been investing in Europe and Africa for more than 30 years. The UK team will evolve with a number of investment professionals set to be hired during in the next 12 months.

Hallworth said: “There continues to be significant investment opportunities in the UK mid-market, particularly in the regions, where the Waterland investment approach will resonate with business leaders who are seeking to build their market position, via acquisition or as part of an international expansion strategy.

“As a Mancunian, it is extremely exciting that the current global number 1 ranking private equity house has chosen Manchester as the location for its first UK office.”

Goodwin added: “Waterland’s decision to invest in the UK is a significant development for the UK private equity market.

“Waterland has made outstanding returns for investors by consistently pursuing well thought through investment strategies, and this approach will do well in the UK. It is also great news that such a high quality investment house sees good opportunities in post-Brexit Britain.”