Scopus Engineering

Survey and engineering services

Sector
Services
Region
Scotland
Date of investment
March 2013
Exit date
December 2014
GCP team members
Website
Contributing Sustainable Development Goals

Background

We partnered with the ambitious, entrepreneurial founders of Scopus Engineering, providing a minority investment in March 2013. They are a leading provider of engineering and precision survey services to the global energy sector, primarily international oil companies and major engineering firms.

Scopus had created a compelling and distinct service offering in a very large and untapped market with high barriers to entry. Demand was unpinned by robust maintenance-driven requirements and Scopus had deeply embedded customer relationships and was well known for providing a high quality service. The business had achieved rapid growth and strong financial performance with plenty more to go for.

The business had received inbound approaches from both trade buyers and private equity investors, and GCP was their preferred investor due to our partnership approach, flexible structuring, and shared ethos and values.

The business doubled profitability over two years to FY14, and in December 2014, we worked alongside management to achieve the successful sale of the business to a listed multinational, Amec Foster Wheeler.

Driving Growth

  • Refined Scopus’ strategy which led to the development of an engineering offering; key to the strategic value of the business
  • Accelerated expansion of international operations

People & Organisation

  • Hands on support to bring in a new Chairman, CFO and senior engineering resource
  • Invested to create a market leading development programme and training facility
  • Headcount up 80%+ in 18 months

Systems & Processes

  • Developed the finance team, systems and processes

Funding for growth

  • Flexible GCP structure (minority stake with no external debt) to meet shareholders’ needs and give the business the best platform for growth

More Realised Investments