MBO builds foundations for the future at construction materials firm
A management buyout has been agreed at a Leeds-based specialist building materials distributor.
Established over 30 years ago, EPMS Supplies Limited provides serves the construction sector and is the industry’s longest serving independent stockist of specialist building material products.
It operates nationwide from three sites across the UK and has enjoyed a strong period of recent growth under the stewardship of former managing director and majority owner Don Blair who has directed the business since its inception.
Yorkshire-based BHP LLP has advised EPMS for over a decade, providing accountancy, audit, and taxation advisory services to support the company in its recent growth.
A team from BHP Corporate Finance led by Will Holmes, Hamish Morrison and Luke Harrower advised the shareholders on the disposal to the management team.
Holmes said: “This deal is a great example of the resilient Yorkshire business community. EPMS has demonstrated robust growth since the pandemic and is a great platform for the management team to continue driving the business forward and achieve further success.”
Blair added: “I am absolutely delighted the company will carry on developing with the existing loyal staff and that the transaction will see the management team, led by Kevin Earles and Christopher Hemingway, take ownership of the company moving forwards.”
Clarion provided legal advice on the transaction. The team at Clarion included Jonathan Simms, Sarah Harrison, and Brian D’Arcy, together with Ben Slack and Francesca Sykes.
Shawbrook funded the transaction providing a flexible funding solution to facilitate the deal. Shawbrook was advised by Gunnercooke, and financial due diligence was provided by BTG Advisory.
Matthew Fannon, director at Shawbrook, said: “We are pleased to work with the management team and support the business on the next part of its journey.
“We were able to provide the team with a flexible funding solution which supports the buyout but also provides headroom for further growth.”
The management team were supported by Rob Burton and Richard Weston from Azets who provided corporate finance advice, while a team from Gordons led by Jonathan Asquez provided legal advice.
