Private equity investment adds firepower to architectural firm’s acquisition strategy

Warwick headquartered architect practice Corstorphine + Wright has secured major investment from Beechbrook Capital to fund its expansive acquisition strategy.

Corstorphine + Wright, which has offices across the UK including Birmingham, has grown rapidly in the last few years through a combination of organic and acquisitive growth.

It is now ranked as the 41st largest practice in the UK with ambitions to grow further.

To secure a shareholder restructuring and additional fire power for acquisitions Smith Cooper Corporate Finance (SCCF) and Birmingham-headquartered Gateley Legal were appointed to support management with implementing their strategy.

Following a competitive auction process, funding was secured from Beechbrook Capital, a specialist fund that can provide a blend of debt and equity investment to high profile businesses.

Paul Turner, director of Corstorphine + Wright, said: “Beechbrook share our vision and appetite for growth and will enable us to fulfil our objectives in the coming years. We have an exciting few years ahead of us.”

Andrew Cowan, partner at Gateley Legal, said: “Corstorphine + Wright has been a long-standing client and has demonstrated year on year growth – above 30% per annum. Its rise to becoming one of the top architect practices in the UK has been swift and well deserved. Beechbrook will provide them with the firepower to continue growing.”

Darren Hodson, corporate finance partner at Smith Cooper, added: “I have worked with Corstorphine + Wright over a number of years and the management team has driven the business forward through technical enhancements and strategically positioning itself in most UK sectors. This has resulted in significant market share gains. The company has many strategic options in front of it with plenty of opportunities to expand in the UK or to potentially develop an international presence. Given the funding it has received, I expect the firm will make some high-profile acquisitions in the future.”

Corporate tax advice was provided by Smith Cooper, Haines Watts and Claritas, while Gateley Legal provided legal advice to the company and shareholders. Beechbrook received legal advice from Pinsents. Mazars provided financial due diligence.