Benchmark International

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Watford-based The Combined Services Provider (CSP) and Norland Equity Partners (NEP).

Founded in 1994, CSP provides traffic management, security and stewarding, hostile vehicle mitigation and car parking services to event venues including Arsenal FC, The Wimbledon Championship and The Open Golf.

With its headquarters in Watford, the company has recently opened a new office in Liverpool. It will now look to scale its service coverage across the UK and Europe with the backing of NEP.

Founded in 2022, NEP is a private equity firm based in London.

Following the sale, CSP’s current Director of Operations, Alan Neill, will assume the position of Interim Chief Operating Officer while the company’s current Managing Director, Tony Nikolic, will transition into an advisory role.

Founder and former chairman of CSP, Dave Butler, will remain on the board as a non-executive director.

Ola Lawal, managing partner of NEP, will be joining the CSP leadership team, bringing with him 20 years of experience in guiding businesses and supporting companies to scale.

Chris Daniels, who has a strong background in scaling companies, has been appointed the new chairman of the board. Daniels will support CSP's growth, maintain corporate governance standards and drive stakeholder engagement.

Speaking of the transaction, Mr Neill said: “Joining hands with NEP represents a strategic partnership that will help to capitalise on market opportunities and deliver our market leading services to our clients and prospects. The new board and NEP’s extensive experience in scale-up is an invaluable asset as we deliver our refreshed long-term vision and focus on further investment in people and technology.

“This partnership also reinforces our commitment to not only sustain but elevate the quality and scope of services that our clients have come to expect from us.”

Mr Butler said: “As we embark on this new chapter, it is important to recognise those that have played crucial roles in our success. Tony, our current Managing Director, has been instrumental in shaping CSP into the industry leader it is today. Although he will be stepping back from his role to hand over to Alan, we are delighted that he will continue to support in an advisory capacity.

“Alan’s transition into Interim COO comes as a natural progression, given his profound understanding of our operations and dedication to customer service excellence. We are excited that he remains a key member of the future leadership team.”

Mr Lawal added: “We are thrilled about our new partnership with CSP given its growth trajectory. Dave Butler and the leadership team have built CSP into a market leader with a strong brand and reputation. Our priority is to deliver value enhancing services to CSP customers and focus on new market opportunities in the UK and Europe. We are looking forward to working with the experienced team at CSP and customers to build on the success to date.”