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 completed acquisition of Inspirant Group Inc. by 10Pearls LLC.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between Sarasota, Florida-based R.J. Rhodes Engineering, Inc. and LJA Engineering, based in Houston, Texas.

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 Facilitated the Transaction between Appellation Construction Services and Whiteley Infrastructure Group.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between Florida-based Ultra Clean Systems Inc. (Ultra Clean Systems) and Sweden-based Getinge AB (Getinge).

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 transaction between Steck Manufacturing and Milton Industries. 

George Steck started Steck Manufacturing Company as Steck's Paint & Body Shop in 1946. Steck has continuously manufactured tools and equipment for the collision repair industry in it’s original location in Dayton, Ohio, for over fifty years. 

Milton Industries, Inc. was founded in 1943 as a family business based in Chicago, Illinois. Milton has been the product of choice for accessories for the past 70 years. Their products have various applications and support a range of different industries such as: automotive, fleet maintenance, construction, and manufacturing. Milton remains the industry forerunner in high-quality accessories and fittings. They are still confidently living up to their legacy of superior products and reliability, to this day. 

This acquisition furthers Milton Industries' aggressive growth strategy by complementing each other’s existing product lines. 

 "This is a textbook example in many ways. Both parties were extremely professional, and our client prepared to move quickly. Developing a strong business relationship with this buyer in a past proved to be very efficient to close a second deal back-to-back." – Director Etienne Deslauriers., Benchmark International 

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.