Strategic investor on the right track with takeover of railway maintenance firm

Investor Arkle Partners Limited, has completed the acquisition of Aquarius Railroad Technologies Limited.

Operating from a facility in Ripon, Aquarius specialises in providing safe and efficient transport solutions for the rail maintenance sector.

Formed in 1999 the company has developed a range of rail and road to rail transport solutions that are used across the rail maintenance sector.

Arkle, founded by entrepreneur Mark Sargent, looks at the opportunity to acquire and invest in companies that offer niche products and services.

The latest deal will allow the Arkle group to further extend its services within the rail sector having acquired rail maintenance equipment supplier Permaquip in 2010 from Harsco Corporation (NYSE: HSC).

Arkle specialises in acquiring non-core divisions from corporates, then growing the businesses organically and through ongoing strategic acquisitions such as Aquarius.

Arkle was advised on the acquisition by Steven Bell, director from Yorkshire-based corporate finance specialists, Castle Square Corporate Finance.

Sargent said: “As our corporate finance advisor, Steven supported us through the whole process engaging with the sellers, thus freeing our team up to focus on the key drivers within the transaction.

“Steven has always been a pleasure to work with, has a real attention to detail, always picks up his phone and just gets things done.”

Bell added: “Having worked with Mark and the Arkle team on a number of acquisitions it was a pleasure to complete this acquisition for Arkle.

“Arkle are able to work on the transaction while we focus on the technical aspects, financials and legal due diligence.

“We were able to help deliver a quick and clean exit for the shareholders, with the transaction completing extremely swiftly.

“The acquisition of Aquarius alongside the existing investment in Permaquip makes the combined group a key supplier to the rail maintenance sector as we target further investment in the Group.”

Led by corporate partner Sonia Jordan, London-based Brecher LLP provided legal advice and support to Arkle Partners Limited on the transaction.