GCP backs first MBO from Fund II

Close Brothers Growth Capital (“CBGC”), a provider of combined debt and equity funding, announces that it is backing the management buy out of Entec UK Limited (“Entec”) from Northumbrian Water Group plc (“Northumbrian Water”).  Entec operates in the rapidly growing environmental and engineering consultancy market and employs 700 staff and associates in 11 locations throughout the UK.

The MBO team is being led by Managing Director, Simon Armes-Reardon, Commercial Director, Douglas Morton, and Finance Director, Barry Canfield. Bill Crossan of CBGC will join the Board of Entec as a non-executive Director.

The £30 million deal is financed predominantly by way of a hybrid debt-equity funding package from CBGC with the management also providing equity.

Entec has a broad service offering and serves an impressive list of public and private sector clients across various industries.  It is a leading company in its sector and is ranked highly in terms of reputation both by customers and competitors alike.

Entec’s largest office is in Gosforth, Newcastle and in the year to 31 March 2005 reported turnover of £42 million with earnings before interest and tax of £2.8m.

Both the management team and Entec Holdings were advised by the Deloitte Corporate Finance team in Newcastle.  Ward Hadaway were legal advisers to Entec Holdings and the management team.  Dickson Minto were legal advisers to CBGC.

 Bill Crossan at CBGC commented: “We are delighted to back Entec and its management team.  This is the first investment from our recently-closed Fund II and we are pleased to be making the investment from that fund in a company with such exciting prospects as Entec.”

Simon Armes-Reardon, Managing Director of Entec, said: “The funding package put together by CBGC will help us to continue our intended growth and fits our needs while allowing the management team to retain a majority stake in the business.  We look forward to welcoming them as an integral part of the Entec team. The MBO announced today is a key part of the strategy for the future development of the Company.”

John Cuthbert, Managing Director of Northumbrian Water added: “We wish Entec well and look forward to continuing to work with them as a key supplier to Northumbrian Water Limited on environmental and engineering matters.  This sale is in line with our strategy to focus on our core business of water and wastewater treatment.”