Mergers and Acquisitions in November 2021
According to Business Intelligence Bureau Van Dijk, November proved to be another busy trading period with 160 transactions recorded for the month. Overseas acquires were also active during this month with a recording of 52 deals.
The largest transaction of the month was the £3.9 billion acquisition of Solenis UK International Ltd by Platinum Equity LLC. Jacob Kotzubei, Partner at Platinum Equity said, “Global demand for solutions that save water, use less energy, eliminate waste, and convert everyday products to more sustainable materials is only continuing to grow. As a leader in sustainability, Solenis has been helping its customers tackle these complex challenges for more than 100 years. It is an exceptionally well-run organisation with an outstanding management team and a service-oriented culture. We believe in the company’s mission, and we are excited to invest in its continued growth and expansion.”
Another significant deal recorded was the £767 million acquisition of Stock Spirits Group plc by Sunray Investments Luxembourg Sarl. Stock Spirits is one of the leading spirits and liqueurs business in Europe, offering a portfolio of products rooted in local and regional heritage. The company has a portfolio of more than 70 brands across a broad range of spirits, including vodka, vodka-based flavoured liqueurs, rum, brandy, bitters, and limoncello. Their core markets are Poland, the Czech Republic and Italy. Chairman of Stock Spirits comment on the deal, “The directors of Stock Spirits are confident in the long-term prospects of the Stock Spirits Group and believe that the offer reflects our strong position and represents compelling value for Stock Spirits shareholders”.
Other high value deals for this month include the acquisition of Besso Insurance Group Ltd by The Ardonagh Group Ltd for £390 million; Helix Investments Ltd by Sirius Real Estate Ltd for £380 million; MESH Holdings plc by All Active Asset Capital Ltd for £218 million; Belfry Hotel by Goldman Sachs Asset Management LP for £140 million; Solent Global Ltd by Humble Group AB for £114 million; and Hi-Tech Coatings International Ltd by Innovative Chemical Products Group LLC for £32 million.
Arcola Energy Ltd, a UK-based systems engineering company specialising in hydrogen fuel cell powertrain and vehicle systems integration, was acquired for £29 million by Ballard Power Systems Inc., a world leader in the design and manufacturing of PEM fuel cell engines for medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Dr Ben Todd, Founder and CEO of Arcola said, “The entire Arcola team is thrilled to combine our shared passion for decarbonising mobility and our unique expertise in fuel cell powertrain integration with Ballard’s world leading PEM fuel cell technology and market position in heavy-duty mobility. Together, we will improve and optimise FCEV powertrain and vehicle performance, lower life cycle costs, and simplify powertrain and vehicle systems integration and service for customers.”
Some of the overseas deal that took place during this reporting period include the acquisition of WeShop Ltd’s assets by Boanerges Ltd; Meridian Cost Benefit Ltd by Giantus Holdings plc; invisiFRAME Ltd by XPEL Inc.; Onefile Ltd by N Harris Computer Corporation; Accustem Sciences Ltd by Accustem Sciences Inc.; Flexipharm Austrading Ltd by Phebra Holdings Pty Ltd; Hillsborough Private Clinic by Affidea BV; eSight Energy Group Ltd by MRI Software LLC; and Sadler & Co Ltd by J Public Relations Inc.
The manufacturing sector proved to be particularly active this month with a number of transactions taking place. Some of these acquisitions include Cobra Biologics Ltd by Cognate BioServices Inc.; Sirap UK Ltd by PFF Packaging Group Ltd; and Redwood Manufacturing Holdings Ltd by Tri-Wall Ltd.
To conclude, M&A activity in November spans across a number of sectors, with some significant deals contributing to this month’s overall figure. The UK maintains appeal from both the UK and global, with active public trade buyers and private equity investors.
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