Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Glasgow-based Community Pharmacology Services (CPS Research) by FutureMeds.

CPS Research conducts phase II-IV clinical trials and has over 30 years of clinical research experience. With a reach throughout the central belt of Scotland, the CPS team has conducted over 250 studies across a wide range of therapeutic areas and indications, such as cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, gynaecology, orthopaedics, psychiatry, immunology, dermatology, and respiratory medicine.

FutureMeds is the first European dedicated decentralised clinical trial (DCT) site network. Through acquisitions and a strategic focus on patient experience, FutureMeds has developed large, qualified patient pools across Europe that enable faster patient enrolment, stronger retention and more accurate results.

This expansion promises to bring enhanced solutions to clients and accelerated access to new treatments for patients. CPS Research has over 4,000 engaged patients in the database, and with the FutureMeds DCT toolkit, the catchment area can be extended over the Glasgow urban area.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Schlummersack’s e-commerce business by empact brands.

Watch the video testimonial here.

Schlummersack, based in Plauen, Germany, is one of the leading brands for high-quality baby clothing. The company specializes in the production of sustainable and innovative baby sleeping bags, which are sold online throughout Europe.

In August 2023, empact, which already successfully distributes the TupTam brand in the same sector, acquired the Schlummersack e-commerce business from Karina Grassy. Ms. Grassy will continue to assist the new owners as advisor. Managing Director of Schlummersack, Elke Kramer, will continue her role within the empact group.

empact brands, based in Düsseldorf, Germany, is a specialised consolidator of sustainable brands in two sectors: kids and pets. With the acquisition of Schlummersack, empact aims to leverage synergies within its group of brands.

Benchmark International is a finalist for an impressive 22 awards in the 22nd Annual M&A Advisor Awards. Our transactions and firm were among hundreds of entries from 450 participating companies that have successfully passed the initial evaluation stage. The process will continue as the independent panel of judges further evaluates and selects a winner from the finalists in each category. The judges are peers in the mergers and acquisitions transaction space, and it is quite an accomplishment to be recognized thus far as a finalist. 

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of North Shields-based Datatron by Kent-based Apogee.

Founded in 1996, Datatron became the first dedicated bureau in the North of England, pioneering document scanning services.

Datatron currently processes over three million documents per week, delivering services to a large number of customers across the public and private sectors. The company has distinguished expertise within the NHS and is responsible for building and maintaining one of the UK's largest digital patient record archives.

Apogee is Europe’s leading provider of managed workplace services, supporting 150,000+ devices for over 10,000 clients across the UK and Europe.

Datatron will complement Apogee’s existing portfolio of outsourced document services, allowing it to deliver a market-leading scanning operation coupled with a unique virtual record management platform.

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the acquisition of Deeside-based drainage services business, PDS, by Salford-based Thermatic.

Established in 2009, PDS offers drainage and wastewater services including CCTV surveys, HPW cleaning, lining, and repairs around the North Wales, Cheshire, Wirral, and North West areas.

Thermatic provides mechanical and electrical maintenance services to building owners and managers throughout the UK and Ireland. The acquisition supports the Thermatic operating model by expanding its technical self-delivery capabilities and supplements their hard facility management offering in the UK.

Post acquisition, all PDS staff will transfer to Thermatic’s existing drainage division, along with its extensive fleet and equipment.

It is the company's second major transaction, following the purchase of a critical ventilation business in 2019, and forms part of Thermatic's goal of supporting current and prospective customers in both private and public sectors.

Steven Partington, director at PDS, said this about working with Benchmark International:

“Overall a great experience in what were very stressful circumstances. The initial teaser and IM were brilliant in locating the right buyer for our business, which I am hugely grateful for. Along the way the Benchmark team were very informative with updates on potential interest, and at the deal end of the process were very professional in helping get everything over the line.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Automaten Winkels GmbH & CO. KG (trading as Euroscope) by a German Search Fund candidate.  

Euroscope, based in Wuppertal, Germany, is Europe's largest producer and operator of coin operated telescopes and souvenir vending machines with more than 3,000 installed coin telescopes, penny press machines and souvenir vending machines. The company specializes in the assembling and operation of souvenir medals, tokens and coin telescopes, an integral part of any tourist attraction or landmark.

In July 2023, a German Search Fund candidate, backed by institutional equity sponsors, acquired 100% of the company shares from Jochen Winkels and Dr. Bettina Bähr. They will remain in the company for a transition period to hand over their managing responsibilities to the Search Fund candidate.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Wicklow-based Paramount Packaging by Mediahuis Ireland, through its Reach Group subsidiary.

Paramount Packaging was established in 1997 and is an industry leading importer, distributor and supplier of premium flexible plastic, paper and environmentally friendly packaging and solutions to the pharmaceutical, retail, food services, merchant, and industrial industries.

Reach Group is a logistics and supply chain specialist, operating in a variety of sectors across multiple channels including grocery retail, hotels, cafes, delicatessens, schools, hospitals, medical centres, pharmacies, libraries and more.

The company comprises a number of business units, including Reach-Delpac, a supplier of catering disposables, food-to-go packaging, hygiene products and luxury retail packaging. It also has Reach Stationery, a stationery wholesale operation with brands that include Supreme Stationery and Newspread, the national distribution organisation for newspapers and magazines in Ireland.

Mediahuis Ireland is a Belgian/Dutch-owned media organisation that is based in Dublin and publishes national daily newspapers, Sunday newspapers, regional newspapers and operates multiple websites including Independent.ie.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Dublin-based EQA to Kent-based Amtivo.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Doncaster-based T&RS Engineering by Rendel, subsidiary of French-owned Ingerop Group.

T&RS Engineering is a rail engineering consultancy, specialising in the maintenance and overhaul of a full range of traction and rolling stock for train operating companies, rolling stock leasing companies, and rail service providers.

Established for over 180 years, Rendel is a multidisciplinary, international engineering design consultancy that provides services to contractors, clients, and on major engineering and construction projects worldwide.

It has completed more than 6,000 assignments throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia and Australia. Recent and ongoing projects include HS2 Colne Valley Viaduct and Chiltern Tunnel Shafts Stages 1 and 2; Suburban Rail Loop, Melbourne, Australia; Hinkley Point C; and Eurotunnel.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Walsall-based First Response by Slough-based Impact Futures.

Family-run approved training provider, First Response, offers a range of first aid, mental health, fire marshal, evac-chair, manual handling, people handling, food hygiene, and eLearning courses to organisations and individuals throughout the UK.

Impact Futures is a pioneer in the field of innovative training solutions, delivering bespoke, high-quality training programmes that add value to organisations and support individuals in achieving nationally recognised qualifications.

The acquisition of First Response serves as a bolt-on to Impact Futures learning programmes, expanding the company’s portfolio of training solutions for businesses and individuals.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Marlborough-based Trident Water and Nottingham-headquartered Phenna Group.

Trident Water was established in 2002 and is a water treatment and water hygiene specialist with a focus on legionella control. With a wide and varied client base across a range of sectors, Trident Water is currently a trusted partner at over 200 sites across the UK.

Phenna Group's aim is to invest in and partner with selected niche, independent testing, inspection, certification and compliance (TICC) companies that serve a variety of sectors. A highly acquisitive group, this is Phenna’s eighth acquisition this year, further augmenting its market leading built environment platform, and adding geographic reach and complementary services to its existing offerings.

The deal also represents the fifth acquisition by Phenna Group conducted via Benchmark International. Other deals have included the acquisitions of GMES, Facit Testing, Ecology Solutions, and Safety Services.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Devon-based South West Intervention Services (SWIS) and Manchester-based Tristone.

SWIS is a care provider that collaborates with local authorities and educational institutions to provide young people with support and intervention programmes tailored to each individual’s personal needs. The provider, which currently supports 120 individuals and employs 35 people across the region, works to re-engage children in education, with an emphasis on attaining their English, Maths and Science, while also strengthening their ability to manage behaviours.

Tristone Healthcare, owned by Tristone Capital, is a privately owned buy-and-build company that invests in profitable, cash generative businesses with good prospects for growth, and that have committed and capable management teams.

Tristone Healthcare's strategy is to acquire and build high-quality businesses with strong fundamentals, delivering outstanding care and support to vulnerable people who need it most. This acquisition extends Tristone's footprint further into the social care sector, broadening its geographical reach and adding new specialisms to the investor’s expanding portfolio.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of James Hamilton Group by Zeus Group.

Established in 1923 in Northern Ireland, James Hamilton Group is a multidisciplinary B2B distributor of packaging, label production, office supplies, and personal protective equipment services across multiple sectors including retail, food and beverage production, logistics, and distribution. The company has annual sales of €18m (£15.4m) and 120 employees.

Irish-owned Zeus Group is one of the largest packaging companies in Ireland and the UK. It supplies packaging solutions for both individuals and small businesses. It now has 51 locations worldwide, having embarked on a series of acquisitions since 2019.

By joining forces with James Hamilton Group, Zeus will expand its current offering in the food and retail packaging sector. It will leverage the combined purchasing power and unlock operational efficiencies across its combined operations in Northern Ireland. 

The purchase forms part of Zeus Group's 2023 growth strategy to propel group revenues beyond €500m.

Following the transaction, James Hamilton Group will continue to operate under its established brand, leveraging its existing manufacturing expertise and management team.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Essex-based ILS Holdings and Burnley-based EFS Global.

ILS Holdings is the parent company of subsidiaries Sussex Pallet Services and Independent Logistic Solutions, an East Sussex-based freight transport collection and delivery service firm that operates throughout Europe.

EFS Global provides warehousing, haulage, customs clearances, vehicle maintenance and logistics services across the UK and worldwide. It has over 32 depots, 600 vehicles and 1,000+ staff across its 25 companies in the group.

EFS Global's 23rd acquisition since 2015, the transaction further consolidates the group’s position in the South East after it purchased sister companies Eminence Transport Ltd and Floryn Ltd last year.

EFS Global has acquired the company's entire issued share capital, bringing on board a workforce of more than 40 people. It plans to implement a ‘business as usual’ approach with a strategy of building on what has already been achieved by ILS’ management team over the past few years.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Dublin-based Macro Works by environmental consultancy APEM.

Macro Works is a landscape consultancy firm specialising in the landscape & visual impact assessment (LVIA) of proposed developments, particularly in large scale infrastructure projects such as wind farms, solar farms, road schemes, and water/electrical transmission. The company also produces photomontages, 3D visual simulations, glint & glare reports, and landscape design.

APEM provides independent environmental consultancy and expert advice to a wide range of industries including water, renewables, power & utilities, marine & ports, transport, construction, and development. The company provides digital aerial wildlife surveys, specialist marine, freshwater, terrestrial ecology, and geospatial services to organisations across the world.

APEM has offices in the UK, Ireland, Australia, Germany, and the USA. Since receiving private equity investment from WestBridge in 2019, APEM has seen its revenue grow from £10m to a forecast c.£60m in the current financial year, employing 540 people across five divisions.

Earlier this week, APEM announced it had secured a +£50m debt package and additional accordion from Tikehau Investment Management UK, with an additional £7.5m working capital facility from Virgin Money to accelerate its ambitious growth strategy.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of electrical infrastructure specialists, Poise Group, by the BRUSH Group.

Rajic Agrawal, director at Poise Group, said this about working with Benchmark International: “What an amazing and professional group of people Benchmark have. This was my first time selling a company and without Benchmark we couldn't have done what we did. I have no words to describe their excellence in this field. Strongly recommend them to anyone.”

Poise Group is a design consultancy specialising in major infrastructure projects across a diverse range of sectors including rail, civil engineering, and electric vehicle charging.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of rc - research & consulting by management consult. 

Founded in 2002, rc - research & consulting, based in Bielefeld, Germany, is a well-known full-service market research institute. The company provides qualitative and quantitative research services to national and international companies. 

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the transaction between Redruth-based Feritech and Swedish-based Addtech Industrial Solutions, a business area in the Addtech Group.

The agreement is for 90% of the shares outstanding in Feritech.

Feritech designs, manufactures, and supplies turnkey engineering solutions for the geotechnical and subsea sectors through its extensive in-house manufacturing capabilities. Headquartered in Cornwall, the company has 21 employees and a turnover of approximately GBP 4.5 million.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Manchester-based Gottlieb by national packaging and labels services company, Macfarlane.

Established in 2001, Gottlieb is a supplier of packaging materials, hygiene products and warehouse equipment to a broad range of sectors including clothing retail, printing, and logistics.

Gottlieb, owned by A & G Holdings Ltd, has an experienced team of 15 employees, including two directors, all of whom will remain with the business following the acquisition.

Headquartered in Glasgow, Macfarlane is a listed company that was established in 1949. The company employs more than 1,000 people at 37 sites, principally in the UK, as well as in Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands. In 2022, Macfarlane reported revenue of 290.4 million GBP.

The acquisition highlights Macfarlane’s ‘buy and build’ strategy, aimed at delivering further stakeholder value. Meanwhile, Gottlieb’s customers will also benefit from the deal through Macfarlane’s range of protective packaging products and services.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce that flavoured coffee brand, Beanies, has joined forces with Greek counterparts, Cafetex, in a move it says could lead to significant turnover growth.

The North East-based label, which supplies major supermarkets and retailers, says the Paiania-based firm is similarly focused and the partnership creates synergies across a range of products within both firms' markets. It also brings an undisclosed cash investment, described as "significant" for Beanies, which will be used for sales and marketing activities.

Cafetex produces a number of flavoured coffee products including coffee pods – a market Beanies has just entered with the launch of compostable, Nespresso-compatible pods available in the UK and overseas.

John Evans, Beanies executive chairman, said: “Flavour coffee has experienced sustained growth on the high street in the 10 years since Beanies was created, notably through internationally known coffee shop specialists and fast food outlets. With this increased consumer interest, Beanies is in pole position to take advantage of this growth in the retail consumer sector."

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between peoplewise and Firebird Capital.

peoplewise is a business psychology specialist that combines a range of bespoke technology-led solutions, with a proven understanding of best practice techniques, to develop strategies enabling the long-term sustainable growth of organisations. 

Firebird Capital, founded in 2003, is a family-owned private investment company based in the UK and is focused on partnering with UK headquartered businesses that have ambitious management teams and a desire to grow. Firebird Capital’s client base spans the technology, healthcare, business services and financial services sectors.

Going forward, Firebird Capital's investment will be used to embark on a new phase of growth for peoplewise.

Benchmark is pleased to announce the transaction between Premiere Lawn Service, Incorporated, and Monarch Landscape Companies, a portfolio company of Audax Private Equity. The transaction creates a strategic expansion into the Washington state market.  

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of St. Neots-based CWL by Marlow-based Atech.

Founded in 1992, CWL provides agile business solutions, including IT security and infrastructure to support digital transformation, focusing on the manufacturing, finance, retail, aerospace, and insurance sectors.

Atech is a leading Microsoft Solutions Partner, delivering complex, multi-platform solutions, cloud services and specialised managed security services to mid-sized enterprises. The acquisition of CWL forms part of Atech’s expansion strategy.

Benchmark International facilitated the transaction between Quantum3 Aluminium Limited (Q3) and Burke Porter Group (BPG). Watch as the former shareholder of Q3 shares his experience working with Benchmark International throughout the M&A process.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Mobil Information Systems (MIS) by Total Specific Solutions (TSS).

MIS is an Irish company with a 20-year track record delivering in-vehicle telematic solutions to a wide variety of companies in Ireland, as well as partners in South Africa, Mexico and the USA.

The company develops software products that enable clients to better manage their fleet assets across a diverse range of industries. Operating from its headquarters in Swords, Ireland, MIS also has an office in Cardiff, Wales.

Netherlands-based TSS is a global provider of IT business solutions. TSS is active in a wide variety of sectors including healthcare, government, financial and legal services, accountancy, agriculture, automotive, construction, education, geoscience, hospitality, manufacturing, maritime, mobility, publishing, real estate, and retail.

On the acquisition trail, the deal represents TSS’ seventh acquisition in the UK and Ireland, and its second Irish software company.

TSS is a part of Topicus.com Inc, leading pan-European provider of vertical market software and vertical market platforms. The company is listed on the Canadian TSX Venture Exchange.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of managed services provider, Key Digital, by Franking Sense.

Established in 2010, Key Digital is a specialist in digital transformation, document workflow, print technologies, and IT services. The company supplies multi-functional print devices and managed print services, as well SaaS software licences with professional IT support services.

Franking Sense® is a leading UK supplier of managed print, franking, mailroom, and document processing solutions with offices in Manchester, London, Glasgow, and Wrexham.

Both local, family-run organisations that operate throughout the UK, the acquisition is an ideal partnership for facilitating Key Digital’s growth strategy as it continues to operate from its Burnley home.

Andy Ratcliffe, managing director of Key Digital, said this about working with Benchmark International:

“Selling my business was the most important deal of my life and the one I had been working day and night for 13 years for. When I engaged Benchmark, I did not appreciate what an important role in the process they played. From day one until the completion, they were extremely professional and were always on hand and available for advice and guidance. They worked tirelessly to get me the best deal and at no time did I feel that they were only interested in their fee. I was amazed at the number of quality potential buyers they found which resulted in numerous offers, giving me the luxury of choice. Best decision I made was to choose Benchmark.”

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the acquisition of Amsterdam-based Payments and Cards Network (t/a PCN) by Stafford-based PSR Group.

PCN is a specialist recruitment group, placing permanent and temporary staff in fintech and data science roles with leading blue-chip clients, fintech scaleups and leading financial service providers.

The company has a worldwide reach, holding trading licences throughout Europe, the US and Singapore.

PSR Group provides specialist recruitment services to the construction, healthcare, technology, and social value sectors via four brands: PSR Solutions; SYK Recruitment; Novello Healthcare; and Build a Career. The group has over 200 employees, 12 global offices and generates revenue in excess of £75m.

The acquisition strengthens the unique blend of businesses already in the group by adding fintech to its portfolio.

On working with Benchmark International, Founder of PCN Jordan Lawrence, commented: “I recently had the pleasure of working with Benchmark International and their fantastic team, specifically Alex Forshaw. Their expertise and advice were invaluable in helping me to successfully sell my company, PCN. Alex went above and beyond, answering calls and messages at all hours until the job was done. His dedication and attention to detail made the whole process seamless and stress-free.

“I cannot recommend Benchmark International enough. Their level of professionalism, expertise, and commitment to their clients is unparalleled. If anyone is considering working with them, I would be more than happy to serve as a reference. Thank you, Benchmark International, and especially Alex Forshaw, for all of your hard work and support!”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of St Albans-based Back in Action UK by Leeds-based Sano Physiotherapy.

Back in Action UK is an occupational physiotherapy company that was established in 2001. It provides assessment, treatment, and ergonomic consultancy to private sector corporates nationwide.

Founded in 2010, Sano Physiotherapy, backed by Solingen Private Equity, provides specialised onsite occupational health physiotherapy services and ergonomic assessments to some of the UK's largest brands.

It also provides NHS and private sector services and delivers numerous public-sector physiotherapy contracts throughout the UK, including local authorities and police, fire and ambulance services.

The acquisition of Back in Action UK has doubled the size of Sano's occupational health physiotherapy services, expanding its expertise into new industries such as rail, travel and utilities.

The enlarged Sano group now employs more than 100 full-time staff across its customer locations and operates nationally.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between Atlanta-based WeCareMD, P.C. (“WeCareMD”) and Tampa-based Physician Partners, LLC.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of S&R Eisenmann GmbH by private investor, Marcel Brinkwirth.

The seller, S&R Eisenmann, based in Hemmingen, Germany, is a well-known brand in the automotive and tuning sector, manufacturing exhaust systems, catalyzers and roll over bars for sports cars in series and individual production. The company provides both to aftermarket customers and to Germany’s premium OEMs.

In January, private investor and MBI-candidate, Marcel Brinkwirth, took over 51% of the company’s shares and now serves as managing director. Mr. Brinkwirth has extensive experience, working for over 10 years in the automotive, consultancy and private equity sectors. He worked not only as an executive freelance consultant for Germany’s premium OEMs but also had several management positions during his career.

Post-acquisition, Mr. Brinkwirth is planning an intense growth strategy, measuring top-line growth and improving gross margins to further improve profitability levels. 

Commenting on working with Benchmark International, Rolf Eisenmann, founder of S&R Eisenmann, said: “Benchmark International as lead advisor made this deal possible. The highly dedicated team backed me up, while I focused on the daily business. I always felt well advised by Benchmark and I am confident that my successor, Marcel Brinkwirth, will do a great job.”

Mr. Brinkwirth added: “Benchmark International pushed as hard as they could to pull the deal through. I want to thank the whole team for their assertiveness.”

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the acquisition of Speak First by LTD Group, trading as Lepaya.

Speak First is a global consulting, leadership and communication training specialist, working with large organisations to develop strategies enabling long-term sustainable business growth, while simultaneously enhancing individual staff development.

Founded by René Janssen and Peter Kuperus in 2018, Lepaya is a rapidly growing Amsterdam-based company with a global reach. By combining hard skills with soft skills, offered together as ‘Power Skills’, the company has made itself a strong challenger in the growing European edtech market, in which the demand for reskilling and upskilling continues to increase.

The acquisition of Speak First showcases immense scalability and allows Lepaya to further intensify its investments into both cutting-edge companies and technologies, such as VR and AI-coaching, to further consolidate the learning and development industry.

Benchmark International has been awarded Best Global Middle Market M&A Specialists 2023 by the prestigious M&A Today Global Awards, which recognize excellence in business on a global scale.This honor is a testament to our achievements and places us among the best in the industry.

Benchmark International’s very own Kendall Stafford has been named to the Top 50 M&A Investment Bankers (Americas Dealmakers) by the Global M&A Network’sM&A Atlas Awards. Kendall is the managing partner of our Austin, Texas, office. You can learn more about her impressive background here.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction of Nationwide Express to Jones Logistics.

Benchmark International’s Kayla Sullivan has been named one of America’s Rising Star Dealmakers by the Global M&A Network. Their 5^th Annual Networking Recognition Ceremony was held in New York City at a luncheon on January 19, 2023.

Benchmark International has been named Best Global Middle-Market M&A Specialists by the Global 100 for 2023. We are proud to say that we also won this award in 2022.

Benchmark International has been named International Mid-Market Corporate Finance Advisory of the Yearby the Gamechangers™ Global Awards 2023. This year’s awards are especially significant because it is the 20^th anniversary of the Gamechangers Global Awards.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Boiler and Industrial Plant (Pty) Ltd by Entruevest Holdings (Pty) Ltd - A Diversified Investment Holding Company.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of E-vergent.com by Tahoe Network Infrastructure.

Benchmark is pleased to announce the transaction between Lookthinkmake, LLC, and Post House Creative. The target reason for the acquisition was the exponential growth that could come from combining the two companies.