Benchmark International is delighted to announce the transaction between Casoria and OQEMA has completed.

County Cavan-based Casoria was established in 1998 and is a distributor of a range of chemicals and metals to the Irish market.

With headquarters in Mönchengladbach, Germany, and a base in Oxfordshire, OQEMA is a global chemical manufacturing and distribution company. It is one of the largest chemical distributors in Europe with almost 1,250 employees currently working at 45 locations in 23 countries.

The management of Casoria will remain in place and the company will join part of the OQEMA Western Hub, which also includes the existing Irish based businesses of the group.

Total Nutrition Technology of Leesburg, Florida, is a full-service nutritional supplement source providing services ranging from product development through fulfillment. Founded in 2003, TNT has been included on the INC 5,000 list of fastest-growing companies and is the leader in its markets served, with products shipped throughout the United States and internationally.

Brandless of San Francisco provides a wide range of premium quality lifestyle products in the wellness, beauty, and home categories. With a focus on clean certifications and better living, the Brandless family of products is closely aligned to the superior offerings and reputation gained through the addition of Total Nutrition Technology.

Of the combination, Total Nutrition Technology Founder and CEO Lourdes McAgy commented, “We are exceedingly happy to be joining the Brandless family. Their focus on quality and delivery aligns perfectly with the way that we have built TNT, and we strongly believe that this combination will power both companies to an increased position of leadership in this space.”

The acquisition is backed by Clarke Capital Partners of Provo, Utah. Clarke is a family office focusing on founder-led businesses and multiple investments in the consumer products space.

Benchmark International Transaction Director William Sullivan stated regarding the transaction, “We were able to source a strong number of highly qualified buyers very quickly for Lourdes’s great company, providing her with the options that she deserved. Brandless was the most strategic choice, with perfect synergies to set them up for immediate expansion from day one. We could not be happier about this fantastic partnership.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of hosted telephony solutions provider, Premier Choice Telecom, by Daisy Communications.

Established in 2001 by managing director Nicholas Stansfield, Premier Choice Telecom is a telecommunications service provider to businesses throughout the UK. The company provides telephone system installation, maintenance, cabling, network service billing, and other associated telecom services.

Daisy Communications is part of a wider Daisy Group, offering a variety of communications services to SMEs, with the transaction enabling Daisy Communications to boost its offering within the health, education and charity sectors.

This highly strategic acquisition will see Premier Choice Telecom bring 1,500 customers and a 40-strong workforce to Daisy Communication’s team of 465 employees.

Silver Sport Transmissions, the seller, is the largest and most versatile elite distributor of Tremec Corporation’s transmissions.  Their in-house engineering department’s experience is second to none and continually outshines bringing a client’s classic car “up to speed” through various product offerings.  The company prides itself on high quality and innovation in its respective field.     

The Wharton Automotive Group, consisting of McLeod Racing and FTI Performance, is owned by NHRA Nitro Funny Car driver and businessman Paul Lee.

Paul Lee continues to grow this sector of the driveline market. With the outstanding success of McLeod Racing, Lee sets his sights on growth in acquisitions. In 2019 Lee purchased the leading racing transmission and torque converter company, FTI Performance. In addition, he continues to grow his business strategy with the acquisition of Silver Sport Transmissions.

“The team at Benchmark International, including Matthew Kekelis and Jack Chilcutt, did an excellent job of guiding Silver Sport Transmissions as the Sellers representative. Great representation is so important in today’s M&A market. As the Buyer, I was impressed how smooth and issue-free the transaction went to closing.” says Wharton Automotive Group president Paul Lee. “This transaction was the next step for Wharton Automotive Group’s goal of becoming the leader in the automotive driveline segment of the Worldwide Automotive Aftermarket industry.”

Transaction Director Matthew Kekelis at Benchmark International added,  “I genuinely believe that there was no better match for Silver Sport than Paul Lee and his team at The Wharton Group. Their professionalism and attention to detail throughout the acquisition process were outstanding.  We wish the best for all moving forward in this exciting new chapter.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce that Barry-based Capital Network Solutions (CNS) has been acquired by Hemel Hempstead-based Flow Communications (Flow), as part of its new buy and build strategy.

Established in 1996, CNS is a cyber security and infrastructure consultancy, ensuring data security and best practice for its clients. It is a highly accredited CREST Penetration Testing company and one of the largest IASME Cyber Essentials Certification Bodies within the UK having issued more than 3,000 certificates.

Flow is a network and security solutions provider, addressing the IT demands of the UK’s leading corporations. The acquisition of CNS complements Flow's current service offerings and aligns to the Flow vision.

Following the acquisition, CNS will continue to trade under its name and see an enlarged group employing 50.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Bath-based managed service IT provider, Westgate IT, and Sussex-based Acora.

Established in 1997, Westgate IT is a provider of IT support, subscription and cloud-based services, and bespoke security solutions.

Acora is an award-winning managed IT services company based in London, Sussex and the Midlands. Services range from the design and build of complex solutions to the day-to-day management of services. Acora is backed by Palatine Private Equity, an independent private equity firm headquartered in Manchester.

This highly strategic acquisition is of significant importance to Acora, allowing it to further expand into the South West with greater access to local talent, an additional service centre and more than 100 clients.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Just For You Personal Support Services (“JFYPSS”) and AccordCare, Inc. (“AccordCare”).

JFYPSS is a College Park, Georgia-based home care company that provides personal care, skilled nursing, respite care, and companionship services. Established in 1996 with the goal to provide personal care services allowing disabled and elderly persons the opportunity to achieve and maintain optimal levels of independence in the community. JFYPSS is AccordCare’s fifth transaction in 18 months.

AccordCare is a premier in-home personal care company providing services to people of all ages and levels of need. More than just personal care, it is specialized care custom-designed to meet a patient’s specific needs. They provide full-service private duty home care that is customized to patient’s needs, allowing them to stay in their home where they can feel the most comfortable. The company is based in Marietta, Georgia, and serves more than 1,300 clients daily.

Brandon Ballew, CEO of AccordCare, said in a press release, “Just for You has a great reputation and a commitment to providing excellent care to clients and driving an employee-first culture; it made them a natural fit for AccordCare.”

Senior Transaction Associate Sunny Yang Garten at Benchmark International added, “This acquisition represents a tremendous opportunity for both businesses and their teams. It was a pleasure to represent JFYPSS in this transaction. On behalf of Benchmark International, we wish both companies continued success.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between ARC Medical, Inc. based out of Tucker, GA and Typenex Medical out of Chicago, IL.

ARC Medical offers circuit filters for the anesthesia market and humidification for the respiratory, long-term acute care, and home care markets in the United States. Best known for its circuitGuard, ThermoFlo, and FilterFlo products, ARC Medical was founded in 1990 by Harold Norris.

Regarding the transaction, Mr. Norris stated, “The ARC Medical team is very excited about the future of circuitGuard, ThermoFlo, and FilterFlo. The Typenex partnership presents great opportunities for both companies, as well as the customers we serve.”

Acquirer Typenex Medical is a national provider of medical solutions to the healthcare industry. The company was founded in 2004 and has grown from a single product (Original Typenex Blood Band) company into a diversified firm offering an array of solutions across the healthcare industry.

The acquisition is backed by a private investment company, Chicago Venture Partners. Since 1998, the group and its affiliated entities have invested in over 200 portfolio companies.

Benchmark International's Senior Associate Jason Donker commented, “The combination of ARC’s unique product suite and Typenex’s vast reach and marketing capabilities will be truly powerful, and will hugely benefit both parties. It is always exciting to make such a highly synergistic marriage, and we are looking very forward to watching the combination grow moving forward.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Essex-based law firm, Fisher Jones Greenwood (FJG), and private equity firm, Blixt Group.

FJG is a multi-award-winning firm of solicitors covering a broad spectrum of fields such as residential conveyancing, family law, probate, and immigration and asylum, as well as some niche specialisms. The company operates from four offices across Essex and one in London, employs 158 staff and has a £7.3m turnover.

Blixt is a private investment firm partnering with lower mid-market companies across Europe. Headquartered in London, the company targets businesses valued between €20m and €200m and has access to over €250m of committed institutional investor funding. Blixt is aiming to invest nationally in the legal sector with the goal of creating a national firm with a turnover of at least £100m in four to five years, and FJG is a springboard for these acquisitions.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Millwork 360, LLC (“Millwork 360”) and The Marwin Company, a portfolio company of Validor Capital, a private investment firm.

Millwork 360, based in Tampa, FL, is a manufacturer of building products, including doors and custom moldings for residential and commercial projects. The company is proudly associated with Mastergrain Fiberglass Door Systems and exclusively distributes for the state of Florida.

For 70 years, Marwin has been a leading supplier of specialty access products for the single and multi-family new construction markets. Marwin’s line of attic stairways and specialty door products are offered exclusively through professional building products, and dealers provide exceptional value supported with superior customer service.

Senior Transaction Associate Sunny Yang Garten at Benchmark International added, “It was a pleasure to represent Millwork 360 in this transaction. There was a great strategic fit between Millwork 360 and The Marwin Company. Jamie and her team were extremely responsive during this process. This acquisition represented a tremendous opportunity for both businesses and their teams. On behalf of Benchmark International, we wish both companies continued success.”

Benchmark International has successfully facilitated the sale of Denmon Engineering Company, Inc (Denmon) to Volkert. Denmon, located in Monroe, Louisiana, is a professional civil engineering and surveying firm specializing in public works. The firm, established in 1983, has grown to serve clients within Louisiana including private entities, levee districts, state and local governments, and engineering firms.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between design engineering consultancy, Qoda, and Efficient Building Solutions (EBS).

Established in 2011, Qoda is a highly experienced engineering consultant that brings a personal approach to the mechanical, electrical and sustainable areas of building design. The company, which has a 60-strong consultancy team and offices in Oxfordshire, London and Bristol, operates nationally across a variety of sectors including education, commercial, leisure and healthcare.

EBS aims to play a leading role in addressing the climate impact of the UK’s buildings and helping reduce fuel poverty by creating healthy energy efficient buildings. The group’s portfolio includes physics consultancy Enhabit, product supplier Green Building Store and an expanding renewable energy installation and service group, including Go Eco Renewables and Bright Green Renewables.

EBS is backed by Ansor, the UK’s leading business focused on establishing, acquiring and growing entrepreneurial SMEs.

As a result of the acquisition, EBS will benefit from Qoda’s considerable commercial track record and expertise which it will bring to the wider group, meaning that the combined companies can offer increased whole building design capability and capacity for clients.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between London-based Meshh and Toronto-based Limelight Platforms.

Meshh was established in 2017 and operates with nine employees from offices in London, New York and Sydney. It is an award-winning location intelligence specialist that measures engagement and interaction in physical spaces to help clients learn how their customers behave in real-world environments.

Limelight Platforms is a SaaS platform that helps global brands deliver memorable consumer experiences and measure the impact of their experiential marketing.

The acquisition allows Limelight Platforms to grow its data insights division and to serve clients in Europe and beyond. Leadership from both organisations believe the partnership will accelerate organic portfolio growth with clients in the sports, retail, automotive, advertising, commercial property, and events and exhibitions industries.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Marietta, Georgia-based Design Environments, and Boston Trade Interior Solutions, with offices in Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco.

Design Environments is a nationally renowned interior design firm specializing in the interior architecture and merchandising of model homes, clubhouses, and amenity/sales facilities throughout the United States. The company was founded in 1991 by CEO Donna DeLuca, who has grown the firm into a national leader in delivering high-quality design services.

Regarding the transaction, Ms. DeLuca stated, “The whole Design Environments team is very excited about the opportunities this combination presents. We strongly believe that Boston Trade will make a great partner in our continued growth and expansion.”

Acquirer Boston Trade is a national leader in renovation, conversion, and new-build projects for the hotel and hospitality industry. The company’s focus on design-forward interior environments that exceed their clients’ economic, aesthetic, and functional requirements aligns perfectly with Design Environments’ long track record of service excellence to similar client sets.

The acquisition is backed by Blackford Capital of Grand Rapids, Michigan, a leading private equity firm in the lower middle market with over $650 million in transaction value and 35 acquisitions at the time of the Design Environments acquisition.

Boston Trade CEO Greg Kadens remarked, “We are thrilled to add such a prestigious and well-respected company to our portfolio. Design Environments is so well run that we can immediately focus on the opportunities created by combining it with our hotel interior design and procurement business. Donna’s leadership throughout the years has brought the company to this point, and we look forward to continuing to work with her as we strive to provide industry-leading services and solutions to our clients.”

This transaction reflects the power of Benchmark’s International’s proprietary “Fingerprint” process, which focuses on each client's unique value proposition when going to market. Regarding the Design Environments transaction, Benchmark International Transaction Director William Sullivan stated, “Our client’s goals and values were highly aligned with the buyer we sourced for them. From the leadership tier of the acquiring firm to the fund partners backing the deal, a shared vision was clear from the start. We are very proud of the role that Benchmark International played in the process.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Londonderry, VT-based Jamaica Cottage Shop (JCS) and WHS Homes of Claremont, NH.

Jamaica Cottage Shop has been in operation since 1995 and is a builder of sheds and small homes. WHS Homes, which builds an array of home types under multiple brands, adds a key piece to its diversified set of homebuilding options through the acquisition of Jamaica’s smaller-signature capabilities.

“With the current demand coming out of the pandemic, the company is in a very good place, so it was very strategic to pull the trigger in 2021,” said JCS founder Domenic Mangano.

At the time of the closing, JCS was producing 2,000 buildings a year - most of which are used as cabins, cottages, and storage. In addition, the company sells kits and fully assembled homes and structures. JCS experienced buoyed results due to home purchasing dynamics fueled by Covid-19 during 2020 and 2021 and sought a strategic partnership to grow off a strong basis.

JCS staff and current leadership will continue to play key roles post-integration, helping to drive the company’s growth under a new set of opportunities moving forward.

“JCS is a key segment operator in a market that has experienced a significant boom during the last year and a half,” according to Benchmark International’s Transaction Director William Sullivan. “We knew now was the time to make this great match in a growing niche market. We believe that both the buyer and seller will benefit tremendously from this combination, and we’re very pleased to have played a key role in that process.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce that County Antrim ventilation systems installer, RGM Vent, has secured a substantial investment from private equity firm, Foresight.

The funding is a co-investment between the Foresight Scottish Growth Fund and the Northern Ireland Opportunities Fund II, also managed by Foresight.

RGM Vent was established in 2010 and offers bespoke ductwork design and installation services to a broad customer base across the UK and Ireland, with the company completing work of prominent infrastructure developments including WuXi Pharmaceutical (Dundalk), University of Ulster (Belfast), Hampton by Hilton (Edinburgh) and Longwater Office Development (Reading). The company has experienced a significant period of growth over the last five years and now employs 75 staff.

Part of the company’s growth has seen it purchase Advanced Ventilation Systems, which focuses on the smoke, heat and exhaust ventilation market, and NSK Sheet Metal, which specialises in fabrication and manufacturing of ductwork.

Foresight is an award-winning listed infrastructure and private equity investment manager which has been managing investment funds on behalf of institutions and retail clients for more than 35 years. Foresight’s private equity team, comprising over 30 investment professionals, manages c£700 million in a portfolio of more than 100 companies.

Leveraging Foresight’s support, RGM Vent is now well primed to implement its growth strategy across the UK and Ireland.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Shropshire-based CompCare and London-based Rubix.

Established in 2007, CompCare specialises in outsourced air, as well as oil free and large compressed air systems. The company is a market leader in variable speed drive conversions or retrofits, heat recovery packages, and multi station control systems. Its focus is on extending the life and improving the efficiency of compressed air systems so that customers generate full value from their assets.

Rubix is Europe’s largest supplier of industrial maintenance, repair and overhaul products and services. The company has over 750 locations across 22 countries and had a turnover of €2.4 billion in 2020.

The acquisition enables Rubix to provide greater and enhanced access to technical services related to compressed air in the UK. It also supports the group’s ongoing drive to remain the leading multi-specialist supplier of industrial products and services.

ERW Site Solutions (an RW Assets, Inc. company) announced the acquisition of Ratliff Hardscape, LTD.

Ratliff Hardscape is a well-established hardscape construction company with a long-standing history of providing various services for civil and hardscape projects. These projects include single-family, multi-family, commercial, municipal, state, and oil & gas projects. Their turn-key solutions include budget and time management, self-performed concrete and masonry, construction management, and quality assurance.

Booder McWhorter will continue operating Ratliff Hardscape as Chief Operating Officer and President along with the entire Ratliff team to continue to provide quality services to their customers.

RW Assets, Inc is an infrastructure construction holding company. It owns ERW Site Solutions, a retaining wall and site service company; LandTec, a landscape, and irrigation company; and DesignBuild Consulting Services, an engineering firm.

Randy O’Neal, Chief Operating Office of RW Assets, commented in the company’s press release, “This acquisition will further RW Assets’ market penetration from retaining walls, landscape and irrigation, engineering services and site services, into hardscape solutions such as screen walls, monuments, concrete solutions, such as sidewalks, patios, and other flat works. With the addition of Ratliff Hardscape, this aggregation will strengthen the brands of ERW Site Solutions, LandTec, and DesignBuild Consulting Services through the synergism created across the various product lines that are offered to our customers. Ultimately, we are now able to offer an array of products with an increased scope to better deliver our customers’ projects on time and on budget. The management team RWA has built over the last 5 years includes one hundred years of experience doing subcontracting and general contracting work across Texas and Southeastern United States.”

Kendall Stafford, Managing Partner at Benchmark International commented, “We are excited for ERW Site Solutions’ acquisition of Ratliff Hardscape. It appeared that the two companies share similar views in their visions and philosophies. We look forward to what the future has in store for the entities and wish them the best of luck with integration.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction of Ideal Frame Company Inc. (“Ideal Frame”) by an individual acquirer.

Founded in 1956, Ideal Frame is a North Carolina-based furniture corporation that has been in business for over 60 years. The company provides quality furniture frames such as sofas, loveseats, chairs, ottomans, and other miscellaneous furniture pieces. The acquirer is an individual with industry experience and financing capability.

Senior Transaction Associate Sunny Garten at Benchmark International noted, “We are very excited about this transaction. While we always have our eye on larger strategic companies in the industry as potential buyers, our ‘all of the above’ marketing approaches can turn up qualified buyers from any angle. In this case, the right buyer for Ideal Frame was an individual with the financing and skills necessary to effect the change of control and carry the business on to the next level. On behalf of Benchmark International, we wish both parties continued success.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of London-based Firebox by Austrian-based MH Direkt.

Established in 1998, Firebox.com is an online retailer of unusual gifts, games, gadgets, and food & drink goods. Launched on the back of its incredibly successful invention; the ‘shot glass chess set’, Firebox was one of the first UK e-commerce success stories.

MH Direkt is a one-stop provider for the e-commerce sector and works with a number of online retailers. It owns European gift sites Radbag, Troppotogo and CadeauxFolies.

The acquisition of Firebox is an important milestone in the growth strategy of MH Direkt as it looks to develop in the UK, with Firebox providing the opportunity to build up local warehouse and fulfilment capabilities. 

Post-acquisition, both shops will operate separately, but work closely together in terms of marketing and product development.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Cambridgeshire-based Aprenda and Leicestershire-based BRUSH.

Aprenda is a high voltage electrical apparatus engineer, specialising in the installation and refurbishment of substations for blue-chip clients throughout the UK. Projects include turnkey design & build projects, preventative maintenance, equipment upgrades and new substation installations.

Founded in 1889, BRUSH is the leading independent provider of equipment, services and solutions for electrical power generation and distribution and is the world's largest independent manufacturer of generators above 20MVA. BRUSH's products are used across a wide range of end markets, including utilities, industrial, maritime, rail, data centres and renewable applications.

The acquisition of Aprenda will provide BRUSH with a leading design engineering platform focused on UK power distribution network projects.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Retreat Homes and Lodges (‘Retreat’) and ABI (UK) (‘ABI’).

Established in 2004, Retreat manufactures timber-framed bespoke lodges from its manufacturing base on the edge of the Lake District. The company predominantly provides to the UK lodge and caravan park industry, as well as to private clients, schools, golf courses, and country houses and estates.

ABI is a premium caravan and luxury lodge manufacturer, building hand-crafted holiday homes for over 40 years from its factory in Beverley, East Yorkshire, supporting many of the UK’s most well-known holiday resorts. The acquisition allows the company to enter a new market by adding Retreat’s bespoke manufacturing capability to its repertoire.

For Retreat, joining ABI will provide the support and investment to allow the team, led by managing director Alan Rooke, to continue the development of the business, which has become synonymous with luxury bespoke lodges.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the simultaneous acquisitions of PBSL Group and Securi-Flex by an MBI candidate, backed by private equity firm, Chiltern Capital.

Benchmark International facilitated the transaction of The Fox Consulting Group, Inc to SIB Fixed Cost Reduction.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce that their client, a vehicle patrol security company in select neighborhoods to both residential and commercial properties on the West Coast, sold to Patrol Protect Secure, Inc (PPS).

• The acquisition was PPS’s fourth investment in the U.S. security industry. The value of this addition to PPS includes:
• Partnering with a long-tenured, energetic management team will be a force multiplier for the PPS team.
• Expanding the geographic footprint to include the West Coast market.
• The company’s vehicle patrol services are staffed by off-duty law enforcement officers, a segment of the security market where we have had much success, driven by market demand and the desire to staff armed functions with highly-trained law enforcement officers.
• The partnership provided ongoing leadership roles and opportunities for its management team while allowing one of the leaders to take a step back and transition into a part-time role, consistent with his goals.

PPS is backed by Sunlake Capital LLC and Mangrove Equity Partners. Despite challenges presented by COVID-19, Mangrove and Sunlake Capital worked closely with this add-on and Benchmark International’s transaction team to close the transaction with a straightforward structure.

Sunlake Capital LLC is a private investment firm focused on flexible, long-term investments in family and entrepreneur-owned companies with a sustainable competitive advantage. With diverse capital relationships, Sunlake is able to devote its resources to the operations and strategy of its portfolio of businesses. The firm further differentiates itself through its long-term investment style, unique management partnership approach, and focus on industries and situations often under-served by the private equity community.

Mangrove Equity Partners is a private equity fund in the lower middle market that leverages its extensive experience creating solutions and getting deals done. Mangrove’s four-person internal operating team allows them to work through the complexity and help the owner/operators build enduring value. Mangrove has completed 140+ deals in 60+ industries.

Kendall Stafford, Benchmark International Managing Partner, commented, “We are very excited for our client and the team at PPS, Sunlake Capital, and Mangrove Equity. Based on our client’s goals and the buyer’s position in the market, our team anticipated that there could be a strong fit between the various companies. We discussed the acquisition with the acquirers before going back. Once we went to market and our client had additional options for potential acquirers, it was clear that the cultural fit between the parties and the deal being offered was a great solution for our client.”

KAMIC Group AB has acquired all the shares in Talema Group LLC (“Talema”). Talema is a leading manufacturer of magnetic components such as transformers, toroids, inductors, and chokes with associated design work. The majority of components are developed specifically for bespoke customer applications, but standard components are also offered. The company’s customers are across a broad spectrum of sectors where the most important include logistics and warehousing, freight and transport, audio, and renewable energy.

Talema was founded in 1975 and has its registered office in the USA, but operational management is based at the head office in Donegal in northwest Ireland. The company has its own production facilities in the Czech Republic and India. Sales are conducted through own sales offices in the USA, Germany, Czech, India, and Ireland as well as a global network of agents and distributors. Talema has approximately 750 employees and annual sales of about EUR 12 million.

Former part-owner and President of Talema, Madison “Mac” Daily, commented, “We were a very unique family-run company: five companies in five countries on three continents. We had a potential buyer but needed expertise and guidance through the process of executing the sale. Tyrus O’Neill of Benchmark International provided the methodology, experience, and support needed to guide us successfully to completion. Without Tyrus’ assistance, I cannot imagine how we could have possibly finished the sale in such a strong position.”

KAMIC Group (www.kamicgroup.com) is a corporate group consisting of 40 companies active in both trade and manufacturing. KAMIC’s common aim is to be a leading supplier of technical products and services in several well-defined product and market niches. The Group has approximately 900 employees in 13 countries in Northern Europe, Asia, and North America and annual sales of approximately SEK 2.2 billion. Their customers are found mainly in the manufacturing industry but also among electrical installers and construction companies.

“Talema is a highly respected global player with strong skills in the design, development and production of magnetic components. They have experienced and powerful management, and the company’s customer base and geographic presence provide an ideal complement to our existing business in this area. Talema, therefore, is ideally placed to be a valuable addition to our corporate group,” says Fredrik Celsing, President and CEO of KAMIC Group.

Tyrus O’Neill, Managing Partner of Benchmark International, added, “We would like to congratulate and thank Mac, Fredrik, and everyone involved in this deal on a successful acquisition. There are numerous complexities to cross-border transactions, which would not have been possible without everyone working together. The synergies for the two organizations are apparent, and we are confident this will be a successful endeavor for everyone involved. Congratulations again, and we wish all parties the best moving forward.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Winchester-based Vita Play and Bedfordshire-based Beds Construction.

Established in 2009, Vita Play provides turnkey solutions for children’s outdoor play spaces and environments, including fencing and street furniture, as well as specialist safety surfacing. Undertaking all work in-house, the company provides a complete service from design through to installation and maintenance. Operating from purpose-built facilities, the company primarily serve local authorities, schools, and private domestic clients across Hampshire and the surrounding counties.

Private equity backed Beds Construction is an established business in the construction sector. It seeks to pursue synergistic bolt-on opportunities with well-established companies that have a turnover between £1m and £15m, a strong balance sheet and a long operating history.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce that Oxfordshire-based Safety Services has been acquired by Nottingham-based Phenna Group.

Safety Services is a professional consultancy offering a comprehensive range of health & safety solutions including site inspections, incident investigations, training courses, documentation & policies support, safety equipment, and general consultancy services to the construction, retail, and manufacturing sectors. The company has developed a trademarked cloud-based system which produces electronic reports to streamline administrative processes and increase accessibility to key information.

Established in 2018, Phenna provides investment and strategic leadership to companies in the testing, inspection, certification, and compliance (TICC) sector. Its aim is to build a global portfolio of independent TICC businesses.

Safety Services is the group’s seventh acquisition in 2021 and the first in the UK focused on HSE services. The Safety Services transaction comes just after Phenna Group’s acquisition of Ecology Solutions, a transaction also conducted via Benchmark International. Phenna has also previously worked with Benchmark International on the acquisitions of GMES and Facit Testing.

Mike Fitchett, Founder of Safety Services commented: “I am very pleased to partner with Phenna Group. As I plan to step back from my managerial responsibilities, it was important for me to secure an experienced and ambitious partner to work with Jon Austin, who will lead the team as Managing Director. From my first engagement with Paul and his team, they have been professional and trustworthy. That has given me great confidence that the business is in capable hands and I look forward to the next phase of our expansion, working in close collaboration with the Phenna Group team.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the sale of Worcestershire-based Ecology Solutions to Nottingham-based Phenna Group.

Established in 1996, Ecology Solutions is an ecology and environmental planning practice. The group offers an unrivalled turnkey service, supporting all stages from site assessment to public inquiry and implementation. The group’s expertise with legal processes, including presenting evidence in the courts and at public inquiries, has positioned it at the forefront of its marketplace and sees it maintain an enviable and unique profile within the Planning and Environment Bar, which is not replicated anywhere in the sector.

Established in 2018, Phenna provides investment and strategic leadership to companies in the testing, inspection, certification, and compliance (TICC) sector. Its aim is to build a global portfolio of independent TICC businesses.

Ecology Solutions is the group’s sixth acquisition in 2021 and the fifth business in its rapidly expanding Infrastructure & Construction Division. It also represents the third acquisition conducted via Benchmark International, which have included the acquisitions of GMES and Facit Testing.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Vanguardia and its subsidiary, Crowd Dynamic International Limited, by Buro Happold.

Vanguardia is an environmental and technology consultancy, working with architects, developers, stadium and arena operators, promoters, and end-user clients to enhance sound, minimise noise and improve the air quality of industrial and commercial projects and events. The company has undertaken major landmark projects in the sports and entertainment sector, working with major touring artists like The Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen, leading festivals such as Hyde Park’s Time and Reading & Leeds Festival, and iconic stadium/arena venues such as Wembley Stadium and The O2.

Crowd Dynamic provides modelling solutions and consultancy to support design and operational projects in the built and natural environment.

Buro Happold has been established for over 40 years and is an international consultancy of engineers, consultants and advisers, operating in 26 locations worldwide, with over 70 partners and 1,900 employees.

Previously, Vanguardia and Buro Happold have worked together on renowned sports and entertainment projects in venues such as Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, O2 Arena, Qatar Education City Stadium, London Stadium and The Fisht Olympic Stadium.

The acquisition will strengthen Buro Happold’s consultancy capabilities, specifically in acoustics and sound engineering, environmental advisory services, plus a broad range of electro-acoustic and technology offers. It also creates a platform for the continued growth of Vanguardia into new sectors and markets.

Benchmark International’s client Sunbelt Waterproofing & Restoration, a Dallas-based commercial waterproofing, building restoration, and roofing company, has successfully obtained growth capital from Northaven Capital Partners in Dallas, Texas allowing the management team to pursue their growth plan.

Sunbelt Waterproofing & Restoration provides complete waterproofing services for commercial and independent contractor clients throughout Texas and parts of Oklahoma. It also includes restoration and maintenance services for commercial buildings and new construction projects. With over five decades of experience in solving unique structural and waterproofing problems, Sunbelt has proven it can provide outstanding and affordable quality solutions.

Northaven Capital Partners is an operationally focused firm investing in lower middle market companies with strong potential for growth. They focus on collaborative partnerships with experienced, driven, and ethical management teams to build alignment and drive value. Their principals have deep experience as operators across various industries from early-stage to multi-billion-dollar enterprises. Northaven Capital has a long-term investment horizon to support meaningful, long-term growth.

Benchmark International proved its value in finding a partner with experience in the industry through its proprietary multi-medium marketing strategies. In addition, Benchmark International incorporated several campaigns with local, regional, and national associations.

Transaction Director Amy Alonso commented, “We are excited to watch our client continue to grow their business with a new partner. Our client has obtained growth capital allowing the management team to grow and provide a great working environment for its employees. On behalf of Benchmark International, we are excited to see continued success for both companies now and in the future.”

Benchmark International’s client Houston Crating, Inc., a Houston, Texas-based Specialty Export Crating & Packing Company, has successfully sold to MEI Rigging & Crating.

Established by Ray Lubojasky in 1994, Houston Crating, Inc., a provider of crating and export packing services to the energy and logistics industries.

The seller stated regarding the process, “I have been very satisfied with Benchmark’s excellent service throughout this sales process, and I appreciate the hard work and professionalism offered by the Benchmark team.”

MEI Rigging & Crating, a portfolio company of Dorilton, was founded in the early 1990s and has grown to one of the largest providers of rigging, machinery moving, millwrighting, mechanical installation, commercial storage, crating, and export packing services in the US. With thousands of customers served, over 30 years of experience, and ten locations across the country, MEI is driven by its corporate vision of excellence, market leadership, and enduring value. MEI has a growing team of over 450 employees in 10 offices across the United States.

Dorilton is a private investment firm that invests in businesses across a range of industry sectors, working in partnership with management to grow value over the long term. By providing funding and expertise to drive growth, Dorilton helps its companies and their people achieve their full potential.

Dan Cappello, the CEO and President of MEI, made the announcement: “We are delighted to grow the MEI-Houston team and enhance our service offering through this combination. MEI and HCI have performed joint work on customer projects in the past, and we see HCI’s professional approach and focus on safety as a great fit with our organization.”

Transaction Director Amy Alonso commented on the transaction, “We enjoyed working with Houston Crating to achieve a successful outcome on behalf of our client. Our client had several offers to choose from but felt that MEI was the best fit for the company, its employees, and its customers. We continue to see strong demand for acquisitions within the exporting and logistics space and have several bidders on standby. We hope that integration goes smoothly for the companies and look forward to seeing the combined companies have a strong future.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce that TMI Electrical Contractors, Inc. has successfully restructured as an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan).

TMI Electrical Contractors, Inc. is a full-service licensed electrical contractor headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, servicing commercial, industrial, and residential clients.

Mark Gillespie, President of TMI Electrical Contractors, Inc., added: “TMI initially engaged Benchmark to explore exit strategy options. We worked with numerous potential groups while weighing the pros and cons of an internal restructuring and ultimately decided that an ESOP was the best route for not just our exit, but the wellbeing of the business and its employees long-term. I would like to thank Neal, Jonathan, Tyrus, and the Benchmark team for their professionalism and assistance through the ESOP process and their contribution to an overall successful result.”

Regarding the deal completion, Tyrus O’Neill, Managing Partner of Benchmark International, stated: “Mark and the team at TMI are a fantastic group and we’re excited to see them take the ESOP path. It was a pleasure working with them through the process and we wish them nothing but the best moving forward.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Richmond, Virginia-based Harryco LLC by Silverbridge Capital.

Harryco is a mental health organization that provides a variety of personal, group counseling, and mental health services to children, adolescents, adults, and their families. Harryco was founded in 2009 by Dr. Harold Watkins as a small mental health organization offering intensive in-home counseling services to children and adolescents. The company has since grown operations to four cities and counties in Virginia and now provides a full range of community support services to a wide set of patients.

Silverbridge is a New Jersey-based private equity firm with investments in mental health and other patient-centered healthcare organizations.

Harryco’s partnership with Silverbridge represents a key next step in the company’s mission to provide best-in-class mental health services to an expanding base of patients. Community leader and Harryco founder, Dr. Harold Watkins, will stay on with the company to continue guiding Harryco during this next phase of growth.

On the acquisition, Dr. Watkins stated, “the Benchmark International team was fantastic throughout this entire process. They did an amazing job as an advocate for me and my company. I would absolutely recommend Benchmark International to anyone in healthcare services considering a sale process.”

Benchmark International Transaction Director William Sullivan commented: “Dr. Watkins is an impressive individual who has built a great organization that serves its communities well. Our team was dedicated to getting a great outcome for him individually and one that would enable his business to partner for continued growth. It was a pleasure working with Dr. Watkins and his team, and we wish him every success moving forward.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Regatta Real Estate Management Inc (“Regatta”) and Fyve, LLC (“Fyve”).

Founded in 1994, Regatta is a Florida-based business headquartered in Miami. The company is a full-service real estate property management provider specializing in association management, investment property management, and condo conversions. Throughout its operating history, the company has remained focused on the small business, customer service-oriented approach.

Fyve is a nationwide, full-service real estate management solutions company that is redefining the experience for owners, residents, and tenants. Prior to the acquisition, Fyve had 11 locations across six states. With this acquisition, they will be able to reach into the Miami market and expand their Florida operations.

Senior Deal Associate Nick Woodyard at Benchmark International added, “It is always great seeing two companies come together where both parties can substantially benefit. It was a pleasure working with Tim and the Fyve team throughout the transaction. On behalf of Benchmark International, we wish both parties continued success.”

On April 30th, 2021, Benchmark International facilitated the sale of CPR Plus, LLC (serving the Greater St. Louis area) to Allied 100, LLC of Madison, WI.

The seller, CPR Plus, provides life-saving skills training to more than 100,000 individuals for close to 30 years in the St. Louis area. Their comprehensive and convenient CPR training courses are accredited by the American Heart Association and administered by friendly instructors with extensive experience.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Dublin-based Smith & Kennedy Architects by RSK Group.

Smith & Kennedy Architects is an award-winning architectural practice specialising in contemporary design for national and international clients. The company was established in 1999 by Joe Kennedy, following his acquisition of a pre-existing firm, E.N. Smith & Partners, which enjoyed a long history in Dublin, having been established in the early 1960s with a specialisation in church and education projects. Following the change in ownership, Joe Kennedy began diversifying the firm’s practice, offering services in the design of offices, schools, houses and hotels.

Following the acquisition, Mr Kennedy will continue to lead the business as it joins RSK's European division under the direction of Nigel Board.

RSK is an integrated environmental, engineering and technical services business, operating in over 35 countries, with more than 6,000 employees and a proforma annual turnover in excess of £500m. It is currently actively investing in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, and has an active client base of over 8,000 organisations spread across these regions.

The acquisition of Smith & Kennedy Architects represents one of four acquisitions this financial year by RSK as it continues its vigorous buy-and-build strategy, and the third acquisition conducted via Benchmark International over the past two years, which included the acquisition of the group of Pellings companies and Ecologia Environmental Solutions.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce that Runcorn-based print industry firm, North West Roller Services (NWRS), has undergone an MBO.

Established in 1990, NWRS manufactures and distributes a range of consumable products for the flexographic, gravure and lamination industries. The company is the UK’s only manufacturer of fibreglass sleeves, which are marketed under the registered brand name ‘Easysleeve’, and exported to India, China, Italy and the USA.

The transaction was funded by a £1.5m equity investment from MSIF's AFM-managed Merseyside Loan and Equity Fund, alongside a debt package from ThinCats.

The new management team, led by sales manager Barry Dodgson, now have plans to "significantly increase" revenue levels and are targeting export markets as well as new product offerings.

The transaction followed the retirement of the previous shareholders and will see non-executive director Nick Owen join the board alongside Mr Dodgson.

Commenting on working with Benchmark International, Ian Antrobus, former managing director of NWRS, said:

“Although we had previously dealt with another broker for a period of three years without any success we were recommended to engage with Benchmark.

After entertaining many interested purchasers James Robinson secured an interested party and led us by the hand to finalise a successful sale on 06 April 2021.

May we thank James and all colleagues for their assistance in maximising the full potential of our business sale after thirty-one years in business.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between ASAP Group (“ASAP”) and Terratest Group (“Terratest”).

Founded in 2006, ASAP is a leading foundation company specializing in a broad variety of shoring and foundation support methods, with a unique patented Sheetpiler™ technology that makes ASAP one of the premier shoring companies in Florida.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Coventry-based PBX Hosting by TelcoSwitch, a provider of hosted voice, unified communications and compliance solutions, in a £4.5m deal.

Founded in 2007, PBX Hosting delivers hosted UCaaS solutions to offices and contact centre environments through its base of channel partners. The company will continue to trade independently post-acquisition given its strong regional brand presence, but its capabilities will be enhanced due to an increased headcount from within the TelcoSwitch Group across sales, account management, support, DevOps and marketing.

PBX Hosting’s channel partners will also benefit from access to the growing UCaaS product portfolio of the wider TelcoSwitch Group. Moreover, the acquisition further boosts the technical proficiency of TelcoSwitch due to PBX Hosting’s management team and staff remaining in place, and provides TelcoSwitch with a regional office in the heart of the UK.

The acquisition is TelcoSwitch’s second of 2021, following the OneVoice deal announced in January.