posted 28th December 2023
Advising on 104 deals this year, GS Verde Group has once again topped Wales's legal and financial adviser activity tables in Experian's Market IQ report, being the only firm to do so. From acquisitions to EOTs and fund-raising, it was a busy year for the multidiscipline advisory firm.
As a record-breaking year for GS Verde Group comes to an end, here are some standout deals for this year.
GS Verde Group advised on 27 acquisitions in 2023 across a range of sectors. The Group welcomed November with the announcement of a successful deal by operations transformation consultancy Reinvigoration, who acquired Lean Competency Services.
The month before the Group oversaw the strategic acquisition of Paper Bag Company by historic Bristol glass packaging & drink processing specialist Rawlings & Son Ltd (Rawlings Group).
The end of the year saw the fast-growing Flotek making an impressive 10th acquisition advised on by the GS Verde Group. Flotek acquired Truro-based Orbiss, an IT & telecommunications solutions provider to the hospitality sector, in a move that will not only broaden Flotek's reach into the South West but marks the first stage of Flotek's growth into the hospitality sector.
EOTs
Employee Ownership Transactions are becoming an increasingly popular exit strategy for businesses, and GS Verde Group advised on 11 such deals in 2023.
In May, GS Verde structured and advised on the Employee Ownership buyout of Vantastec, a leading supplier and conversion specialist of refrigerated and temperature-controlled vehicles. The deal saw staff become majority shareholders of the business.
GS Verde Group also supported and advised on the Employee Ownership transaction of Total Staffing Solutions, which saw staff become majority shareholders and the creation of an Employee Ownership Trust.
In November, Escape 100 listed business Miller Research completed an Employee Ownership sale with the support of both GS Verde and Cwmpas. The deal saw the staff become the majority shareholders of the business through an Employee Ownership Trust, building on 19 years of growth overseen by founder Nick Miller.
MBOs
In a similar vein, GS Verde Group also advised on 8 Management Buy-Outs in deals that saw senior members of staff in businesses across a range of sectors acquire majority shares in their company.
Multidisciplinary construction company Beech Group was successfully bought out by its Managing Director, Gareth Vaughan, in a deal supported by the GS Verde Group in April.
Meanwhile, in September GS Verde Group advised on a management buyout of Blues Electrical led by Dave Chandler, Chris Chandler, and Marc Gunter.
GS Verde Group was also proud to advise on a management buyout of Dock Solutions by Joshua Hale, who first joined Dock Solutions as an apprentice 7 years ago before working his way through the business and contributing significantly to the company's success.
Disposals
GS Verde Group advised on 30 business disposals in 2023, starting in January with the sale of multi-award winning print company Pensord Print Group to Stephens & George (S&G) Print Group. GS Verde Group supported the deal from structuring through to completion.
The Group also advised on the sale of a renowned translations services provider in August, and in October, advised on the sale of Temple Homes Property limited to leading estate agency Bristol Property Centre. The strategic merging of the two businesses enables Temple Homes Property Limited to continue their impressive growth since acquiring the portfolio of Ruben Property in 2018.
Funding
GS Verde Group supported 18 businesses to achieve their funding goals in 2023. In June, GS Verde Group advised Paramount interiors on a fundraising deal that will fuel its next growth phase. The funding will enable its expansion into a new 'Build' arm of the business set to propel them to an expected turnover of £50m for 2023/2024.
Meanwhile in September, GS Verde Group supported Stella Event Hire and Catering in raising growth capital, which resulted in a more efficient company structure for the long-standing business.
Technical outdoor clothing brand, Jöttnar, raised over £1m through a mix of re-investment and crowdfunding, in a deal advised on by GS Verde Group. The £1.3m raised through Crowdcube far exceeded the original target investment by an incredible 150% and supported the business in expanding its product range, team, and customer base.
2023 has been an exciting, record-breaking year for GS Verde Group, illustrating the appetite for the Group's unique multidiscipline approach to corporate transactions and dealmaking. It also strengthens their reputation as a leading player in the UK's M&A landscape while laying the groundwork for further growth and exciting developments in 2024.
GS Verde Group is a multidiscipline team of deal-making experts in law, corporate finance, tax, and communications who have wide-ranging sector experience. Their specialist knowledge and their commitment to GS Verde Group's mission ensures delivery of the most optimal outcomes for clients and enables the continued success of the Group.
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