Benchmark International

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Portishead-based Brunel by private equity-backed Obsequio.

Brunel has 25 years’ expertise in designing, installing, and maintaining security systems, door entry systems, perimeter security, and fire detection and alarm systems. It also undertakes fire and security risk assessments, with employees security-cleared to government standards.

Obsequio maintains safety systems across fire detection and protection, water quality management, security, electrical safety, and energy efficiency/usage with customers including hospitals, universities, local authorities, leisure centres, and student accommodation providers. The group has been named one of the 100 fastest growing private companies in the UK with sales topping £14 million over the last 12 months.

The services offered by Portishead-based Brunel Fire and Security will significantly increase Obsequio’s ability to provide full capability access control, intruder alarm and CCTV services.

Brunel, which will remain independent within the group, has a particularly strong pedigree within the defence and facilities management industries, broadening the group’s reach into these sectors.

Former Brunel MD Arnie Palmer, who will remain with the company as a consultant, said: “We are delighted to have become part of an organisation which shares both our ethos of delivering a high level of service and the values which have been important to me for many years.”

Fellow Brunel director Richard Jenkins, who will head up Brunel as the new MD, added: “I have learned a lot from Arnie and am looking forward to leading the business and working with colleagues across the broader Obsequio group. We have so many great clients and such a huge opportunity to grow in the South West region and beyond.”

Obsequio group chairman Simon Cashmore said: “From our earliest meetings with Arnie and Richard we established a very strong relationship and I’m so pleased that Brunel will be joining our growing business. I have had the pleasure of meeting a number of our new colleagues and have been hugely impressed with the level of customer focus and technical competence within the business.

“Our buy and build’ strategy means our customers have access to a one-stop-shop for all aspects of compliance – security, fire, water, energy and electrical safety. Obtaining all these services from one integrated group is easier and offers better value for facilities managers.”

Obsequio MD Simon Abley added: “I’m delighted to be working with the Brunel team. Our businesses have so much in common. We share the same values, support similar sectors, use the same operating system and work with many of the same suppliers and partners. So I’m confident the businesses will fit together incredibly well."

Europe: Michael Lawrie at +44 (0) 161 359 4400 / Lawrie@BenchmarkIntl.com

Americas: Sam Smoot at +1 (813) 898 2350 / Smoot@BenchmarkIntl.com

Africa: Anthony McCardle at +27 21 300 2055 / McCardle@BenchmarkIntl.com 


ABOUT BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL:

Benchmark International is a global M&A firm that provides business owners with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. Benchmark International has handled over $10 billion in transaction value across various industries from offices across the world. With decades of M&A experience, Benchmark International’s transaction teams have assisted business owners with achieving their objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses. The firm has also been named the Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor and the Global M&A Network as well as the #1 Sell-side Exclusive M&A Advisor in the World by Pitchbook’s Global League Tables.