Deans Holdco Ltd is Scotland’s leading independent groundworks and civil engineering firm, being the preferred supplier for many blue-chip clients in the sector. In addition, the group also consists of a road surfacing contractor and a leased landfill site which allows the business to provide a complete end to end service offering across central Scotland.
Grant Thornton built a strong relationship with the shareholders over the last two years, with them having one eye towards an exit but also identifying that they were on the cusp of an incredible growth opportunity. As such, the founder was keen to retain a meaningful stake in the business given the confidence in the future of the business.
Our focus was to find buyers that share similar ethos and can be a strong cultural fit, while providing a deal structure that aligned with the shareholders preference.
RSK being a growing and highly acquisitive global engineering and environmental services business, were identified early as being the most likely party to provide the most suitable outcome.
Crucial to delivering a strong outcome for the shareholders was our close hands-on approach throughout the process, specifically in relation to financial analysis, the due diligence process and deal negotiations, which removed much of the burden associated with selling a business and allowed the founders to continue focusing on driving growth.
The service offered by Grant Thornton was exemplary. From the initial meeting, right through to completion of the deal, both Neil and Calum have been a constant source of support, guidance, and expert knowledge.
Steven Deans Managing Director & Co-founder, Deans Group Holdings Limited
