Grant Thornton advises Trimountain Partners and ABCA

Founded in 1986, ABCA Systems Group is a market leading, Newcastle-based firm specialising in; fire, security and electrical compliance services for social housing, public  sector and commercial clients across the UK.

In 2021, ABCA Systems Group received investment from Trimountain Partners (a process supported by the Grant Thornton Corporate Finance team). Subsequently, over this investment period, ABCA has delivered significant growth both organically and through acquisitions; enhancing capability, geographic reach and service offering. 

Given the impressive growth delivered, Trimountain Partners and ABCA shareholders were keen to refinance the business through new debt and equity with the new debt also required to fund the acquisition of RAAM Construction simultaneously to the fundraise. 

Grant Thornton has remained a trusted advisor to Trimountain since their initial investment and provided a full suite of tailored advisory services to support the refinance including; Corporate Finance, Debt Advisory, Financial and Tax Due Diligence, Tax Structuring and Valuations, to deliver the optimal capital structure for the Group, aligned to the strategic growth aspirations of shareholders.

We utilised our fire safety specialist sector expertise and long-standing relationship with Trimountain Partners and ABCA shareholders to position the business in an optimal way to a range of funders and investors resulting in a highly competitive fundraising process.

We provided hands on support to our client every step of the way, from preparing the marketing materials, project managing an extensive due diligence process and leading complex transaction execution including legal negotiation and the funds flow.

We delivered a tailored, flexible debt funding solution, combining the funding power and flexibility of European Debt Fund, Apera, with the relationship of incumbent bank, Santander, to provide Day 1 Term Loan facilities, a working capital RCF and material committed and uncommitted acquisition facilities. Pricing was highly competitive due to the blended Senior/Super Senior pricing across the Term facilities.

The combined debt and equity structure included a Co-Invest from Apera which was a key differentiator for Trimountain Partners. Grant Thornton worked closely with our client to understand their needs and used our extensive knowledge of the investor and lender landscape to introduce the best suited funding partners.