Private equity firm swoops for £196m-turnover security business

Private equity firm  Equistone Partners Europe is to acquire a Doncaster-based security equipment company.

Heras, which provides mobile and permanent perimeter protection systems and last reported annual revenues of £196m, is being acquired by Equistone Partners Europe from CRH .

The firm specialises in fencing, manual and automated gates, vehicle barriers and electronic detection technology and has more than 1,100 employees and production facilities across Europe. It will continue to be led by Gilles Rabot, who joined the business in 2015. The company’s management team will acquire a minority stake in the business.

Heras, which was founded in 1952, said it plans to grow by developing more products and services, building new customer relationships and strengthening its existing network.

Hubert van Wolfswinkel, Director at Equistone, said: “We are very impressed by Heras’ leading position in the market, which it has achieved by having a strong European manufacturing footprint, long-standing customer relationships and a highly experienced management team.” Dirk Schekerka, Senior Partner at Equistone, added: “In partnership with Heras’ excellent management and employees, we will support the company’s continued growth trajectory and its expansion into new markets and regions.”

Gilles Rabot, Managing Director at Heras, said: “We are delighted to have Equistone as a reliable and financially strong new partner. Having them on board will support our continued growth and enable us to expand our business.

“Together we will continue to develop and provide high-quality, innovative mobile and permanent perimeter protection solutions to meet the ever-evolving safety and security needs of the market.”

Heras’ portfolio of products is already used in applications ranging from border control, military bases and critical infrastructure through to schools and playgrounds. The company’s mobile protection solutions are primarily used to secure construction sites and major events, with customers including building companies, public authorities, rental companies, distributors, wholesalers and installers.

Dirk Schekerka, Hubert van Wolfswinkel and Moritz Treude led the transaction on behalf of Equistone. The firm was advised by Munich Strategy (Commercial), EY (Financial, IT, Operations & Tax), Clifford Chance (Legal), ERM (Environmental, Health & Safety) and Houlihan Lokey (M&A, Financing).