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 Remata (Pty) Ltd & Remata Communications and Printers Production House (Pty) Ltd (Remata) by the Formeset Group of Companies.

Benchmark International is happy to announce the completed acquisition of The J. J. Elemer Corporation by Action Bag Company.

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

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.

Benchmark International successfully guided the acquisition of Recruiters Websites by Haley Marketing.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Gem Drugs, Inc. and Vital Care Infusion Services. The reason for targeting was strategic expansion.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the successful facilitation of the strategic growth partnership between INVISION Architecture Ltd and The HFW Companies.

Benchmark International successfully facilitated the transaction between Flowstate Branding and Decision Sciences Research Associates.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Bradford-based Prima Yorkshire to Scarborough-based Duraweld.

Prima Yorkshire is a manufacturer of bespoke packaging solutions for retail products, storage, and stationery, providing a complete design and manufacture service using materials including PVC, corrugates, boards, and papers.

Established over 60 years ago, Duraweld employs around 50 staff and designs and manufactures a wide range of packaging and stationery products for customers, working across sectors such as healthcare and retail.

The acquisition of Prima Yorkshire by Duraweld is an excellent strategic fit and will help the buyer expand its customer base. Duraweld is also set to benefit from the additional capability to auto die-cut and fold as well as glue cartons by way of Prima’s manufacturing capabilities.

Prima’s former owners are being retained as consultants to the business, and the company’s branding will be retained.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Canterbury-based Herrington Consulting to Cambridge-based Environmental Protection Services (EPS).

Established in 2005, Herrington Consulting offers a comprehensive service offering with expertise across four areas: flood risk management, surface water and drainage management, daylight and sunlight impact assessments, and coastal engineering and risk management. Employing state-of-the-art computer modelling to unlock some of the most technically challenging sites the company has the ability to serve a range of clients including architects, local authorities, and housing developers.

Established 20 years ago, EPS has extensive experience through a diverse range of geotechnical and environmental consultancy projects for a diverse range of clients in the residential, retail, industrial and petrochemical sectors. The company offers a UK wide geographical coverage from its offices in Cambridge, Leeds, Bristol, and Glasgow.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between Illinois-based W. A. Imports and New York City-based Forever Cheese.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of KES Excavating, a Wisconsin company by Bug Tussel Wireless (Hilbert Communication), also a Wisconsin company.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between New York City-based Cookie DO, Inc. and NeilEats.com, also based in New York City. Cookie DO is an innovator in the confectionery industry with a variety of unique, handmade flavors of edible and ready-to-bake cookie doughs. The company features an ever-growing product selection that includes its famous edible cookie dough, baked goods, baking classes, a proprietary cookbook, merchandise, cookie cakes, and baking mixes and flours.

Benchmark International's client, B. Carlson Heating & Air Conditioning, a provider of HVAC and Plumbing Services, has been acquired by Radiant Plumbing and Air Conditioning, a Texas-based portfolio company of The Riverside Company.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between Hialeah, Florida-based D.T. Woodcrafters Corp (“Woodcrafters”) and Hollywood Woodwork, Inc. (“Hollywood”), headquartered in Hollywood, Florida. Woodcrafters creates custom woodwork for a high-end customer base that includes banks, offices, restaurants, hotels, and homes. For over 25 years, the team’s craftsmanship has allowed it to distinguish itself in South Florida. Hollywood is one of the nation’s premier millwork and casework companies, with over 150 employees and a leading position in the Florida market.

Benchmark is pleased to announce the transaction between Huco Consulting, Inc and Montrose Environmental Group, Inc. The reasons for targeting were strategic expansion and the added value that Huco would bring to the table.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of 6 Denver metro Jimmy John’s franchise restaurants, known as Rupp Enterprises, to a private investor.

Benchmark International successfully facilitated the transaction of Coastal Packaging and Lachemont Group. Coastal Packaging is a custom packaging and liner covers company offering turnkey, flexible packaging specializing in plain and printed roll stock for form fill and seal machines, open mouth bags, custom fit container liners, and pallet covers. They have flexible minimum runs, which is an advantage.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of ProMaxx Tool by Milton Industries.

Benchmark International successfully facilitated the transaction of Spatial Acuity, LLC, to Bowman Consulting Groups LTD, hereinafter referred to as Bowman. Spatial Acuity, LLC is headquartered in Austin, Texas. The company provides high-definition scanning, 3D modeling, and reality capture services for owners, developers, and operators of private and public infrastructure. Utilizing advanced geomatics equipment, Spatial Acuity delivers interactive, three-dimensional digital models, thrusting their clients to the forefront of the digital twin revolution.

Benchmark International successfully facilitated the sale of ProCon LLC, hereinafter referred to as ProCon, to Southwest Material Handling Inc. ProCon, headquartered in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is an award-winning exclusive dealer of JCB construction equipment and a provider of value-added service and parts. ProCon operates in the western region of the US, including Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Nevada.

Benchmark International successfully facilitated the transaction of Seasons Home Health, which consists of a group of four entities. The entities provide personal home care to children, elderly, or disabled patients in Southern Texas. Located in the Rio Grande Valley, Seasons Home Health helps individuals in need of personal home care to live securely and comfortably in their own homes.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Killaloe-headquartered Quantum 3 (Q3) by Michigan-based Burke Porter Group (BPG).

Established in 2000, Q3 manufactures a range of lean and flexible aluminium profile and framing systems, featuring patented connector blocks, for manufacturers in the medical and life sciences industries. Leveraging its unique modular flexible aluminium profile and framing systems, the company designs lean assembly and production line solutions that enable customers to optimise their workflows and realise process improvements in cleanroom and other demanding environments.

Over the last 20 years, Q3 has served clients in Ireland, the U.S. and Costa Rica.

Founded in 1953 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, BPG is a leading global supplier of automated diagnostic, testing and production solutions serving life science and speciality industrial end markets. BPG focuses on automating high-precision processes, leveraging its capabilities in microfluidics, optical design, additive manufacturing, motion control and software to develop solutions tailored to its customers' needs.

BPG maintains close proximity to its worldwide customer base through a global footprint of 45 locations to provide responsive and local supply, service and support.

Following the acquisition, Q3 founders Pat Hayes and Paul McGrath will remain with the company, working closely with the BPG leadership team and Rich Carone, who leads BPG's Medical and Life Sciences Division.

Benchmark International successfully facilitated the transaction of Stria, LLC, to Bitwise Industries. Stria, LLC. The company works with key third-party platforms to provide classification-as-a-service (CaaS), content service platform support, workflow automation, document scanning, records management, and reprographics services.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Lloyd Lauw Collision Repair Center to Gerber Collision & Glass.

Benchmark International successfully facilitated the transaction between Metro-Tech Electrical Contractors, Inc. and Michael Bowman.

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the acquisition of Exeter-based Dealtop T/A Dartline Coaches by Newcastle upon Tyne-based Go-Ahead.

Beginning with eight vehicles in 1987, Dartline has grown its operations over its 25 years of trading and now possesses 84 vehicles, employs 118 people, and provides a comprehensive range of transport services. In addition to coaches and buses, Dartline runs special education needs taxis.

Established in 1987, Go-Ahead is one of the UK’s leading public transport companies with operations in the UK, Ireland, Singapore, Norway, and Germany. Formerly listed on the London Stock Exchange, in 2022 it was purchased by Kinetic Group and Globalvia.

In the West Country, Go-Ahead has grown rapidly. From its origins as Plymouth Citybus, the group expanded into East Cornwall in 2014, and again in 2020 through an eight-year contract to deliver rural bus routes from Lands End to the Tamar for the county council, creating Go Cornwall Bus. The combined operation was given a new corporate identity as Go South West.

Following the acquisition, Go South West will operate 380 vehicles and employ 90 people under four customer-facing brands: Dartline, Go Cornwall Bus, Go Devon Bus and Plymouth Citybus.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Chustz Surveying, a Louisiana-Based Surveying Company, and GIS Engineering, a professional service firm across five locations in Louisiana.

The seller, NMC Exteriors, is a Minneapolis, MN based residential and commercial roofing and siding provider with 20+ years serving homeowners and businesses in the greater Minneapolis area. NMC’s commitment to quality has propelled them to be a market leader in their community.  They have achieved an A+ accreditation from the Better Business Bureau and have been awarded the Platinum Preferred Contractor by Owens Corning.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between Florida-based Paramount Urgent Care, Inc. (“Paramount”) and HCA Healthcare, headquartered in Nashville, TN. Paramount operates six urgent care clinics in Central Florida, with locations in Clermont, The Villages, Oviedo, Orlando, Casselberry, and Windemere Villages.