Benchmark International’s Executive Chairman, Steven Keane, has been named the Best International Chairman of the Year, USA by the Global 100 (2022).

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.”

At the American Advertising Awards, Benchmark International's marketing team won another ADDY® award for their "Virtual Black Box" in the Microsite category. A microsite is any web page or series of pages that are a part of a larger website but intended to feature specialized information. 

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Plymouth-based GMD by Bristol-based Leviathan.

GMD provides precision engineered component and design solutions for projects within the marine, defence, food processing, energy and pharmaceutical sectors. Some of its major clients include the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and major defence and engineering group, Babcock.

Based in Bristol, Leviathan is a subcontract engineering group which focuses on high value and growth sectors where various services can be shared to address larger, more technical projects for its premium customers.

GMD is expected to be the first of several acquisitions for Leviathan as it works to become a wider, integrated engineering group. Leviathan has said its expansion plans will focus on “premium value and growth sectors”. By acquiring a broader array of engineering services, the group can begin to focus on bigger and “more technical” projects.

Post-acquisition, GMD’s founding Samson family, who established the business over 25 years ago, will remain within the firm.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Pembrokeshire-based Preseli Lodges by holiday park and resort developer, Actually Group.

Preseli Lodges manufactures bespoke luxury lodges and garden rooms, serving clients such as holiday parks and resorts.

Following the sale, Kevin Morgan, founder and director of Preseli, will remain with the business as commercial director and the company will continue to manufacture from its Pembrokeshire base. The business will be rebranded as Actually Lodges, a subsidiary of the Actually Group.

As part of expansion plans a further 20 jobs are being created this quarter with additional manufacturing premises being acquired.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Stirling-based The Leadership Factory by London-based Tack TMI.

The Leadership Factory conducts leadership, management, and organisational development programmes with services aimed at increasing clients’ existing management capacity, enhancing leadership, developing structural efficiency, and engaging employees.

Tack TMI is a training provider that focuses on learning in sales excellence, customer experience, leadership and management development, personal development, change and innovation, and safety culture. The company was acquired in 2016 by GI Group, Italy’s largest multinational staffing company. As part of GI Group, TMI Tack operates across over 55 countries and in 37 separate languages.

The acquisition further enhances Tack TMI’s UK coverage and strengthens the leadership development and executive coaching capability within its global learning offering.

Dr Andy Kelly, managing director at The Leadership Factory, said this about working with Benchmark International: “Worked with Andrew Roberts to sell our consulting business. Great service, great communications, great result! Andrew is a pleasure to work with and takes the emotions out of the process.”

Private equity transactions on a global scale returned to form in 2021 following the challenges posed by the pandemic, with private equity firms deploying record amounts of dry powder held as they looked to invest cash accumulated during the pandemic.

According to Mergermarket, a record was set for the percentage of M&A deals that involved private equity, with buyouts comprising 27% of global activity in 2021. This totalled 8,548 deals worth $2.1tn, nearly doubling the previous record set in 2007. Deal volume was also staggering, showing a 60% increase year-on-year.

Looking to 2022, it appears that global private equity deals might continue in the same vein, as private equity houses still have approximately $2.3tn of cash reserves. This, coupled with increasingly positive economic conditions such as a brightening global economic outlook, seller-favourable valuations, and low interest rates, are instilling confidence in the market.

At Benchmark International, the Transactions Teams stay abreast of industry trends to ensure the best and most suitable deals are completed for clients. As a result, throughout 2021, Benchmark International in the UK and Ireland has completed 18 transactions involving a private equity buyer. These include:

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Scunthorpe-headquartered Shift Traffic Events to Oxfordshire-based Chevron Traffic Management.

Shift Traffic Events specialises in traffic management within the events and utilities sectors, including high profile events such as the London Marathon. The company employs over 150 people and has depots in Scunthorpe and Essex.

Chevron Traffic Management provides physical and digital traffic controls for organisations working within utilities, rail, high-speed network, local authorities and events which need to disrupt normal traffic flow. It has 30 depots across the UK, including one in Scotland which operates as Class One Traffic Management. The company has been owned by Triton, an international investment firm, since 2018.

Chevron Traffic Management is part of the Chevron Group of companies, which includes Chevron Green Services, Chevron Green Consultancy, Class One Traffic Management and Highway Resource Solutions (HRS).

The acquisition is part of the company’s buy and build strategy and will help Chevron Traffic Management to expand their existing capabilities in traffic management within the events and utilities sectors, alongside other specialisms like digital services and arboriculture.

Benchmark International’s client Classic Emporium, DBA Rain Tunnel Car Spa, a New Mexico-based company providing vehicle wash, detailing and quick lube services, has sold to Champion Xpress Car Wash, a family-owned and operated business with multiple locations across New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Iowa.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Manchester-based CorEnergy by Kent-based Sureserve in a £7.5m deal.

CorEnergy was established in 2014 to capitalise on market growth in LED lighting and renewables. Focused on providing sustainable energy services for public and private sector organisations, the company provides cost analysis, design, supply, installation and commissioning of LED lighting and controls, solar photovoltaics, electrical vehicle charging, battery storage, and renewable heating solutions.

It is expected to achieve revenues in excess of £6m and EBITA of £1m for the year to 31 December 2021.

AIM-listed Sureserve, currently valued at £148m and employing over 2,100 people, is a compliance and energy services group. The bolt-on deal expands Sureserve’s range of energy services, with CorEnergy providing the firm with new expertise in solar power and electric vehicles.

The maximum total consideration payable for CorEnergy by Sureserve is £7.5m, with an initial £5.9m payable on completion, including £2.9m in cash and the issue of 3,281,879 new ordinary shares of 10p each. Further deferred consideration of up to £1.6m may be payable, split equally between cash and shares, depending on CorEnergy's full-year results to December 2021.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Northumberland-based Coastal Retreats to Norwich-based Original Cottages.

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the acquisition of Basingstoke-based Elkay Laboratory Products to Los Angeles-based Calibre Scientific.

Elkay Laboratory Products is a premier distributor of products including liquid handling, specimen collection, storage, biobanking, test tubes, caps and vials, filtration and centrifugation, multi-well plates, and calibration services to a range of domestic and international institutions and organisations. The company’s diversified customer base spans a variety of end markets including clinical, academic, industrial and environmental applications.

Calibre Scientific is a diversified global provider of life science reagents, tools, instruments, and other consumables to the lab research, diagnostics, industrial, and biopharmaceutical communities. Calibre Scientific owns a portfolio of twenty-one life science and diagnostic companies with its global reach extending to over 175 countries. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, the company continues to expand its product offering and global footprint to laboratories across a wide array of verticals and geographies.

With this acquisition, Calibre Scientific further enhances its overall product offering in the laboratory supplies market and adds a scalable distribution operation to the portfolio.

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the sale of Doncaster-based Swedex UK to York-based Abracs Ltd.

Established in 2003, Swedex UK is a distributor of carbide tipped circular saw blades, sold to other distributors and sawmills throughout the UK. It has an exclusive supplier agreement with Swedex AB, which was founded in 1983 in Mjölby, Sweden, and is a manufacturer of circular saw blades.

Established in 1989, Abracs Ltd are one of the UK’s leading brands of abrasives and power tool accessories. The company holds the UK’s most extensive cross section of PTA products which enables it to cater for virtually all industrial markets. The acquisition of Swedex UK and its exclusive access to Swedex AB’s products will be an excellent addition to complement Abracs' existing product portfolio.

Speaking about working with Benchmark International, ex-Shareholder and Finance Director at Swedex UK, Carol Neal, commented: “Regarding the sale of our company, Benchmark were fantastic! Andrew helped us through the process, advised and assisted us through the maze of legislation and was on hand with any queries we had. Selling our company was never going to be easy, but I dread to think how much more difficult it would have been without Benchmark at our side. Benchmark kept us informed of all potential buyers and the best one with a good offer was found within a short period of time. From the first contact, through advertising and then on to completion everything went smoothly. I would definitely recommend Benchmark to assist you in the sale of your business or company.”

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Hemel-Hempstead-based H4 Aerospace (UK) (H4A) and Shannon-based Eirtech Aviation Services (Eirtech).

H4A is a UK CAA DOA, enabling it to undertake the engineering design and certification of modifications to commercial aircrafts, which range from main cabin reconfigurations with new seats and monuments, to cockpit avionic system upgrades. With its head office and main design office based in Hemel Hempstead, the company is within easy reach of all the main airports in and around the M25 area.

Since 2009, Eirtech has been providing a range of cost-effective professional aviation services and bespoke solution packages to airlines and airline leasing companies such as tailor-made engineering services, advanced composite repair services, and asset management solutions, ensuring regulatory compliance. Headquartered in Shannon, Ireland, the company also has engineering facilities in Dublin, Belfast, Great Britain, and Singapore.

The acquisition of H4A is in line with the continued global expansion plans of Eirtech and brings to the company both CAA P21 J approval and EASA P 21 J approval capability under one roof.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the transaction between Nortech Solutions Group (Nortech) and Nijhuis Saur Industries (NSI).

Nortech is a multidiscipline engineering, design, and project management organisation, operating across multiple sectors including upstream and downstream oil & gas, petrochemical, chemical, energy, nuclear, water, and iron & steel.

NSI delivers solid and adaptive solutions for sustainable water use, energy, and resource recovery. With its headquarters in the Netherlands, NSI operates in 130 countries globally, employing over 350 specialists in Dubai, Canada, Colombia, Chile, Germany, Poland, Russia & CIS, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the Netherlands, the UK, and the USA.

The deal will enable NSI to expand its engineering capabilities in the UK, Europe and the rest of the world, paving the way for further investment and growth.

Menno M. Holterman, President and CEO of NSI, commented: "Nortech adds a wealth of engineering and industry knowledge to the NSI group, which will support the group’s mission to ‘Stand For Water’. Nortech also has a specialist staffing recruitment division, which will help NSI to scale up its global workforce quickly to execute major projects like some of the recently won mega projects in the biofuel and refinery upgrading market in Europe and the Middle East.

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the transaction between East Kilbride-based Sixth Sense and Watford-based MCG.

Established in 2009, Sixth Sense is a national training provider of IT and digital apprenticeships, providing SVQ accredited courses to 140 learners through a direct contract with Skills Development Scotland.

MCG is a recruitment, consultancy and project-based solutions company within aerospace & aviation, construction, education, healthcare, and technology. The company works with, supplies and employs people both in the UK and internationally.

The acquisition is the third by MCG in 12 months, as part of a five-year growth strategy.

Grant Henderson, COO of MCG, said: “The acquisition of Sixth Sense fulfils both a business and personal ambition in increasing our training capability for our internal staff, as well as externally to our valued customers.”

The seller, Warnock Tanner & Associates, has been operating a successful IT services/management company for over 25 years.  WTA Consulting’s customers range in size from small local businesses to Fortune 500 businesses.  WTA specialized in Complete Consulting, Development & Implementation Services for Oracle Primavera.

Benchmark International is pleased to announce the acquisition of Sheffield-based Systems Assurance by Warrington-based CloudCoCo.

Systems Assurance is a Microsoft Gold B2B reseller of IT hardware, software, and solutions, working with SME and public sector clients through its portfolio of cloud subscriptions and migration services. In the year ending 31 December 2020 the company generated revenue of £6.09m and an adjusted EBITDA of £209k.

CloudCoco is an AIM-listed provider of IT and communications services to businesses and public sector organisations. The acquisition of Systems Assurance marks part of CloudCoco’s buy and build strategy.

Chris Wheater, director at Systems Assurance, said this about working with Benchmark International: “There are many companies out there offering to find a buyer and help sell your company. So it's a big step to finally pick one, sign up and pay your money. I’m happy to report that Benchmark provided a great service and did what they said they would. We recently completed our sale and I would have no hesitation in recommending them. James Robinson and Roger Forshaw were supportive every step of the way and their experience and calm heads are just what is needed especially in the latter stages. A great service all round.”

Benchmark International facilitated the Transaction between North Country Family Practice, P.A., located in Southlake, a suburb of the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas market, and an undisclosed buyer.

Endevis operates three divisions, including professional contract staffing, direct professional placement, and recruitment process outsourcing across the United States. The leadership team alone now has over 150 years of combined experience in the recruiting business. Endevis’ industry reputation, experienced leadership, and passion for helping clients made them a prime target for acquirers.

Job.com is becoming an industry force in the staffing space.  They are reinventing the way employers attract, hire, and retain the right teams. Job.com uses advanced data science to put people back in control of their own success and unifying the staffing supply chain so companies can reduce the time and cost to hire the appropriate candidates and uphold great retain rates.  By joining Job.com, endevis will grow rapidly, reaching more clients and candidates and continuing to revolutionize the recruitment industry. 

Transaction Director Matthew Kekelis commented regarding the deal completion, “I truly believe that there was no better match for endevis than Job.com.  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’s client X Caliber Container, LLC, a Texas-based steel shipping and cargo containers provider, has successfully sold to LongWater Opportunities in Dallas, Texas.

X Caliber Container provides steel storage containers for a large and well-diversified customer base on a national scale with various products that overlap into several varied markets within the steel container industry. X Caliber Container then provides custom fabrication at both of its Texas-based facilities, including Firework Stands, Workshops, Mobile Chemical Labs, and Emergency Response units.

X Caliber Container co-owner Brent Isom commented, “I have been extremely pleased with each phase of the process, and the people are what has made it a great experience. The Benchmark [International] Team are at the tip of the top of the best companies that ever existed.”

LongWater Opportunities is an operationally-focused private investment firm headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with an office in Fargo, ND, that targets control buyout equity investments in lower middle market US-based manufacturing and specialty distribution companies. LongWater Opportunities believes in mutually aligned interests and investing patient capital in building successful American manufacturing businesses with long-term, sustainable competitive advantages.

Benchmark International proved value in finding a buyer with experience in the industry through its proprietary multi-medium marketing strategies. The market uncovered several interested buyers, but the ultimate buyer provided the right cultural fit for the sellers.

Transaction Director Amy Alonso commented, “We are thrilled to see that our client’s legacy and vision will remain and grow through this transaction. We understood that our client sought an acquirer who would take the company to the next level while also providing a great work environment for their employees. On behalf of Benchmark International, we wish both companies all the best in the future.”

Benchmark International’s client Yuni Beauty, LLC, a California-based all-natural wellness and beauty brand, has strategically partnered with Rechemtex, LLC in Dallas, Texas.

Yuni Beauty offers clean, natural beauty products for the body, skin and hair, and aromatherapy items. All products are created with non-toxic, vegan, quality ingredients and sustainable packaging. The company’s target market is busy, urban, active individuals that prioritize clean beauty, wellness, health, and stress relief.

Rechemtex is a Texas Domestic Limited-Liability Company.

Benchmark International proved value in finding a strategic partner for Yuni Beauty 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 thrilled that our client can step away from the business knowing that his legacy will be carried on and the company will continue to grow. It was a pleasure to represent Yuni Beauty in this partnership, and on behalf of Benchmark International, we wish both parties all the best in the future.”

Benchmark International is delighted to announce the majority sale of Irish fire-protection systems company, Writech, to Waterland.

Established in 1981 by Thomas and Mary Wright, Writech provides fire protection system design, installation, manufacture, commissioning, and services across a range of sectors including logistics, data centres, life sciences, office, retail, and food & beverage.

Sons Ted and Alan Wright took over the business in 2008, now generating more than €20m in revenue. Writech will use Waterland’s investment to expedite expansion plans in Europe and the UK, as well as increase output at its Mullingar centre, creating over 30 jobs.


Waterland is a Dutch-based private equity house, headed by Laura Dillon in Ireland. The investment group has €8bn in assets under management across Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Poland, and Switzerland.

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 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 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 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.