Benchmark International has successfully facilitated a transaction between Georgia-based Lyman Davidson Dooley, Inc. (Lyman Davidson Dooley) and Virginia-based Blueline Holding Company, LLP (Blueline). 

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Carlisle-based AndiDrain by Glasgow-headquartered Denholm Energy.

Established in 1990, AndiDrain is a liquid waste management and industrial services company offering a range of services such as tankering, CCTV pipework surveys, waste segregation and recycling, sewer/culvert renovation, and relining.

Denholm is an international services provider supplying leading edge services across industry sectors including oil and gas, marine, defence, petrochemical, renewables, utilities, and distilleries. Employing over 4,500 people, the company has operations in the UK, USA, Caspian, and Middle East and has an annual turnover in excess of £190m.

The move by Denholm Energy's subsidiary, Denholm Environmental Services, further strengthens Denholm’s waste management and industrial services offering. It also expands the geographic footprint of Denholm Environmental from the Scottish Highlands down to the Midlands and adds a comprehensive and market leading range of equipment to the portfolio.

Andrew Little, managing director of AndiDrain, said this about working with Benchmark International:

“I would like to thank Roger, James, Charlotte, Nick and the rest of the team for a job well done with the sale of the company. I can highly recommend Benchmark to anyone who requires a M&A specialist to guide them through what can be difficult times when dealing with due diligence.”

Benchmark International’s client Wilmac Enterprises, a full-service transportation solutions provider, has successfully sold to RoadOne IntermodaLogisitics in Randolph, MA. 

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Dublin-based Keyhouse by Toronto-based Dye & Durham, one of the world’s most trusted providers of mission-critical software for legal, financial and business professionals with operations in Canada, Australia, the U.K. and Ireland.

Keyhouse is a leading software solutions company providing cloud-based software systems, training and services to solicitors and legal service providers throughout the Republic of Ireland.

Dye & Durham provides legal and business professionals with a suite of market-leading products designed for efficiency, accuracy and instant access to public records.

Brian Sweeney, managing director at Keyhouse, commented: “As part of the Dye & Durham family, Keyhouse will continue to provide leading cloud-based software systems, training and services to legal professionals across the Republic of Ireland, but now backed with the full support and resources of the multi-national Dye & Durham. This acquisition will result in greater integrations with third-party systems from within Dye & Durham, including search facilities, AML, quote conversion and on-boarding applications and compliance modules.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between McAlister Design, Inc. and Wauseon Machine and Manufacturing, Inc. 

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Airflow Service Company and ConnectM.

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the sale of Pruvan Inc. (“Pruvan”) to Verisk Analytics. Pruvan, headquartered in Round Rock, Texas, provides Mobile Field Service Management software. The company provides a mobile app for the service industry that connects field technicians and clients with certified photos, videos, and mobile forms. Their offering enables service companies to mobilize their businesses and helps streamline operations.

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the acquisition of Manchester-based Hargreaves Jones by London-based CCi.

Established in 2005, Hargreaves Jones is a consultancy providing commercial and project management services to clients primarily in the large-scale infrastructure sectors including nuclear decommissioning, electricity generation and distribution, oil and gas, green energy generation, transportation, and manufacturing both in the UK and internationally.

CCi, a Rimkus company, is an independent consultancy with an international reputation for expertise in the insurance and construction industries. Operating from over 17 locations worldwide, CCi has a dedicated team of 115 experts helping to resolve some of the world’s largest and most complex insurance claims and construction disputes.

Rimkus has been established for over 40 years and now operates from more than 110 offices worldwide. It is a provider of engineering and technical consulting services to corporations, insurance companies, law firms, and government agencies. Rimkus also provides architecture, engineering, and construction services for the built environment, including restoration design, facilities risk assessments, and due diligence property condition assessments.

The acquisition will support the advancement of CCi’s expertise to deliver commercial and project management services to clients engaged in capital construction and engineering activities on both large and small infrastructure projects.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between G2 Technologies, Inc. (d.b.a. Paper Handling Solutions) and Digital Print Solutions. 

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Swindon-based Tops Security by London-based Banham.

Tops Security is a provider of electronic security systems for domestic and commercial customers, offering a comprehensive product range including intruder and fire alarm systems, CCTV, and access control systems. The company provides a turnkey solution, providing customers with design, installation, and on-going technical support.

Founded in 1926, Banham has grown to become the largest provider of security systems to properties in London and the South East of England. The family-run business, currently in its fourth generation of the Banham family, has seen significant year-on-year growth.

Actively acquiring over the last few years, Banham has expanded its reach into the West Country, therefore making the acquisition of Tops Security a natural fit.

The companies also share several core values as industry experts with a strong family ethos.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of London-based Zencom to Wynard-based Communicate.

Zencom supplies inbound and outbound call services to SMEs and blue-chip companies including call routing, invoicing and online real-time management call statistics.

Since 2011, Communicate has been a specialist in IT, telecoms and cyber-security, keeping over 500 businesses and 50,000 users connected and secure across the UK.

The acquisition will add specialist SME-centred services to Communicate’s offering and unlock new service lines. It is the company’s third buy as part of its buy and build strategy and has been facilitated by a £1.5m investment from BOOST&Co.

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the acquisition of Liverpool-based Notus by Warrington-based British Engineering Services.

Notus is an engineering consultancy specialising in the delivery of heavy lift and transport consultancy services, lifting assurance, and the planning and execution of lifting operations. Services are delivered across the energy, rail, defence, and construction sectors throughout the UK and Europe.

For over 160 years British Engineering Services has been engaged in the testing, inspection, and certification of industrial machinery via its highly skilled engineer surveyors and engineering consultants. The British Engineering Services Group team has grown considerably due to ongoing recruitment activity and acquisitions and now consists of almost 1,000 people.

The acquisition is British Engineering Services' seventh since 2019 and the second conducted via Benchmark International in the last two months.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of both Access Plus and TrainingPlus to Briggs Equipment.

Operating from three sites in Scotland – Glasgow, Edinburgh and Irvine – Access Plus has delivered high quality powered access solutions to customers throughout the UK since 1998. The company manages approximately 700 powered access assets, which will help bolster Briggs Equipment’s comprehensive fleet of access equipment and increase coverage in Scotland.

Briggs Equipment is the exclusive national distributor in the UK for the Hyster and Yale ranges of forklift trucks and other materials handling equipment.

According to Pete Jones, Briggs Equipment’s managing director, the group has significantly increased its access equipment capability across the UK and Ireland with the acquisition, enabling the company to accelerate its powered access strategy and deliver a broader proposition to its customers. With the addition of TrainingPlus, the company has the opportunity to expand its existing training services.

George Marriott, Access Plus and TrainingPlus managing director, commented: “We are extremely pleased to be a part of the Briggs Equipment Group following confirmation of the acquisition. Our team can’t wait to get started and continue the ongoing development of our businesses in a strategic and progressive manner. The culture and values of Briggs aligns perfectly with us and we could not have picked a better parent company.

“Throughout the acquisition process the team at Briggs have conducted themselves in an exemplary manner and we are looking forward to working closely as part of the group moving forward. We are determined to maximise the potential of our business, whilst still delivering a great service to our customers and this acquisition will help us deliver on that ambition.”

Commenting on working with Benchmark International, Mr Marriot added: “I was guided to a successful conclusion with a world class expert, James Robinson, at Benchmark. My frustration with due diligence he took ownership of, his attention to detail was faultless and my experience was certainly exceptional. This was my first sale and "my baby" was comfortably delivered into caring hands. James managed the purchaser, my legal team, the accountants, my team and myself with a caring and surety - allowing me to understand the complexities of the deal, which helped me make better decisions along the journey.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Topsham-based LaddersFree and AIM listed REACT, in a deal worth up to £8.5m.

Established for 20 years, LaddersFree is a commercial window cleaning business serving independent, regional, and national customers across the UK. With an established network of over 300 approved service partners, LaddersFree utilises local window cleaning companies to offer its services to all areas of mainland UK.

Since its inception, LaddersFree has grown organically. Unaudited financials for the year to 30 November 2021 show that it generated revenue of c£3m and a pre-tax profit of c£1.4m.

REACT is an industry leader in the provision of specialist cleaning, working in challenging environments such as hotels, prisons, crime scenes, and cruise ships.

This is REACT Group’s second acquisition and represents a further step in the company’s ambition to achieve its stated growth strategy. The transaction provides REACT with the opportunity to diversify its service offering through expansion into complementary markets, and to leverage existing resources to accelerate growth.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the sale of Leicester-based Air Projects to Witham-based EA-RS.

Air Projects is a specialist ventilation engineer working on healthcare and commercial projects from basic extraction systems to hospital theatres and laboratories. Air Projects also provides expert advice on an array of services in ventilation, fume extraction, fire damper testing and healthcare compliance.

EA-RS is a provider of intelligent, sustainable, and compliant fire and security systems in the UK. The company installs and maintains a broad range of systems covering critical infrastructures such as data centres and healthcare facilities and serves several other markets such as commercial property, education and social housing.

EA-RS has been backed by Rockpool Investments since 2021, and Air Projects is the seventh company EA-RS Group have acquired since last year.

This acquisition supports the group’s strategy to further broaden its geographic reach and to present new opportunities throughout the UK. Additionally, the transaction will expand both organisations range of services to their respective client bases, including fire damper testing for EA-RS' clients, facilitating growth and enabling synergies between all businesses within the group.

Shaun Sutton, managing director of Air Projects, said this about working with Benchmark International: “Many thanks to James, Charlotte and Roger for their expert advice and professional approach to the whole acquisition process for us. From initial marketing through the negotiations and final due diligence stages, James and Roger have remained flexible, knowledgeable and most of all calm and collected in their manner, which has made the whole process less stressful than it could have been.”

Benchmark International has advised on the transaction between Loch Lomond-based Absolute Solar and Wind (Absolute) and Cheshire-based RSK.

Established in 2007, Absolute provides renewable energy design, installation, and maintenance services for commercial and industrial renewable energy projects, primarily in the solar sector.

Working with customers such as Scottish Water, Exeter City Council, Edinburgh Airport, UK Research and Innovation, and local authorities, the Absolute team delivers solar, wind and low carbon heating services in conjunction with its supply chain.

RSK is a global leader in the delivery of sustainable solutions. The transaction marks part of RSK’s continued strategic expansion and is the 28^th acquisition by the company this financial year.

Following the transaction, Absolute will join RSK's Agriculture, Land and Property Management (ALPM) division under the direction of Ian Strudwick. The company will continue to be led by Absolute director Tom Newall.

Benchmark International's client JTAM Engineering, a Houston-based engineering firm, has successfully sold to a High-Net-Worth Individual.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce to acquisition of Livingston-based Boyd Brothers by British Engineering Services.

Family-founded Boyd Brothers is an electrical and civil engineering contractor with over 50 years’ experience. Since its establishment, it has grown to become a specialist in electrical vehicle charging point installations.

For over 160 years British Engineering Services has been engaged in the testing, inspection, and certification of industrial machinery via its highly skilled engineer surveyors and engineering consultants. The acquisition is British Engineering Services' sixth since 2019 and will enhance Boyd Brothers’ electrical division, as well as make specialist services more easily accessible to customers.

Stephen Boyd, managing director at Boyd Brothers, commented: “We’re really happy to have joined the British Engineering Services Group. This is a fantastic move for both businesses. Their growth over the last few years is impressive and we’re excited to be a valuable part of their future.”

Paul Trivett, MD of Electrical and Consultancy at the British Engineering Services Group, said: “This is another great addition to the British Engineering Services Group. We’ve spent lots of time with the Boyd Brothers team over recent months and it’s very clear they share the same values and priorities as the wider Group. Not only do they always put their customer first, but they’re very focused on making sure nothing is left to chance. This will further enhance our presence in the electrical safety field, which we started to develop further with the acquisition of Lantei in December 2020.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce that Derby-based CFR has been acquired by a private investor.

An exclusive supplier for Felfoldi in the UK, CFR is a distributor of a range of confectionery products including flavoured straws, baked goods & home baking kits, canned drinks, and sweets. Other high-profile customers include national retailers such as Asda, Poundland, and B&M Retail.

CFR was acquired by a private investor, allowing shareholder Christopher Rudd to pursue retirement plans.

Commenting on working with Benchmark International, Mr Rudd said: “Thanks for all your hard work, efforts and your input. You’ve been a huge part of where we got to today.”

The seller, Action Computer, is a complete IT services provider that plans, designs, implements, and maintains a company’s IT system. Action has been servicing the Southeast region since 1981, keeping systems current and trouble-free. “Our interaction with Benchmark International was a pleasurable experience. They worked with us to develop a projected business valuation, helped us get our documentation in order, and created a sales sheet that they presented to prospective buyers, and they kept us informed of the progress of progress all the way through - from building the prospectus to the final closing. I will be looking forward to working with them again on some of my other business ventures,” said Lloyd Keel, Owner, Action Computer.

Benchmark International successfully facilitated the transaction of a private duty home healthcare company, providing services for elderly client patients, and hospice firms. The company also provides hospice staff placement to third-party hospice and healthcare providers.

Ray Engineering is a multi-disciplinary consulting firm specializing in civil, structural, and forensic engineering services. The company focuses on all facets of construction projects and serves both commercial and residential clients. Ray Engineering is headquartered in Norcross, Georgia. 

The seller, Poly Pharmaceuitcals, Inc., is a development and distribution company focusing on generic and OTC pharmaceutical products such as cold, cough, allergy, and pain relief. Over the years, they have developed a portfolio of innovative, safe, and cost-effective medications for patients and caregivers. CEO, Chase Williams, had this to say: “Poly Pharmaceuticals would like to thank Benchmark International and, in particular, Tyler Gonska and Matthew Kekelis for their professional nature in which they vetted potential buyers and facilitated the acquisition of Poly Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to ADDvise Group US, Inc.”