Security and facilities company completes Scottish acquisition

First Response Group, the security and facilities company, has completed the acquisition of Aberdeen-based Apardian.

Apardian, which is also a security and facilities management company, was acquired for an undisclosed sum.

First Response Group was advised on the deal by partner, Tony Farmer and senior corporate finance manager, Stephen Garbett from Yorkshire accountancy firm Garbutt + Elliott, as well as Philip Ashworth, Matthew Smith, and Grace Moreton of Andrew Jackson Solicitors.

The teams at Garbutt + Elliott and Andrew Jackson have previously worked with First Response Group and its owners, Jamal Tahlil and Edgar Chibaka, having advised on another acquisition they made earlier in the year.

Edgar Chibaka of First Response Group, said: “Having worked with the teams at Garbutt + Elliott and Andrew Jackson before, we didn’t hesitate to engage them to act on our behalf again, as we continue to grow our company.

“They already had an excellent understanding of our business and have continued to provide forward thinking advice to ensure that the purchase went smoothly, quickly and efficiently.”

Jamil Tahlil added: “Garbutt + Elliott were able to help find a solid business for us to acquire, that had an excellent reputation and had worked in line with our own company ethos.

“The purchase of a well-established, complementary business will enable us to swiftly accelerate our growth as part of a wider business plan and we are thrilled with how the whole process was carried out.”

Stephen Garbett of Garbutt + Elliott also said: “There is an excellent fit between both businesses and we are pleased to have been able to, yet again, help First Response Group to grow and develop, in order to service a larger area of the country.”

Philip Ashworth, Partner at Andrew Jackson added: “It is a delight to work with Edgar and Jamal again and help them in the sustained growth of their group.”

Robert Bain from Hall Morrice, which acted on behalf of Apardian, said: “Apardian are happy with the sale of their company and believe that they have been acquired by a solid business that can continue the ambition that Apardian has had over the years. The deal was carried out, from both sides in a timely and smooth manner and all round, everyone is delighted.”