Our corporate finance team were appointed by the shareholders of BM TRADA Group, a long standing client, to advise on the sale of the business.
BM TRADA was established in 1994, when the vendors completed an MBO of TRADA – the Timber Research and Development Association. Management subsequently grew the business into a leading international provider of certification schemes and building products testing services, operating in 16 countries and with revenues of approximately £25m.
Having run the business for over 20 years, and approaching retirement age, the shareholders engaged with us to review their exit options.
We were able to leverage their international network, to identify and approach a number of strategic buyers which generated significant interest in BM TRADA.
In addition, we were able to provide a wide range of expert advisory services to the shareholders to ensure the successful completion of the transaction.
This included specialist pension and tax advice in respect of the company's final salary pension scheme, advising on its complex international network of subsidiaries and joint ventures, and structuring a carve out of part of its Middle East businesses.
With these numerous complexities it was vital that our team was able to react and provide advice in an efficient and joined up manner in what was a multifaceted process.
The acquisition will extend Exova's certification and building products testing offering, and increase their global reach into eight new countries.
The Grant Thornton team were absolutely fantastic and right for us. A number of challenges presented themselves on this transaction, and the Grant Thornton team guided us through these whilst also being a great source of encouragement and support to the team. An excellent result was achieved for the shareholders, and for that we owe the Grant Thornton team a big thank you.
Chris Gill BM Trada Group Limited
