Browne Jacobson advises Milient on latest UK acquisition

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Browne Jacobson advises Milient on latest UK acquisition

Browne Jacobson has advised Norway-based Milient Software AS, backed by private equity investor Monterro, on its acquisition of UK software provider Cubic Interactive Limited, trading as Rapport3. The move strengthens Milient’s foothold in the UK project management software market and forms part of its wider European expansion strategy.

Milient develops digital management platforms for architects, engineers, and other professional service firms. Rapport3 delivers a project and resource management system tailored to similar users, making it a strong strategic fit for Milient’s growing portfolio.

Browne Jacobson’s private equity team, led by Partner Gareth Davies and supported by Principal Associate Matthew Dorman and Associate Jonathan Bradley, provided legal advice on the transaction, with additional input from the firm’s tax and employment specialists.

Gareth Davies, Partner at Browne Jacobson, commented: “Supporting Milient Software and Monterro for the second time on their UK expansion underscores a broader market trend: the growing confidence of overseas investors in UK tech. This transaction is a powerful signal that international capital continues to back the UK’s world-class technology sector. It has been a pleasure to work with the team again and see their continued growth into the UK market. Our wider Private Equity practice is acting on an increasing number of international deals year on year, and this transaction is another example of our leading position in the mid-market space.”

Simon Nystrom, Investment Manager at Monterro, added: “We’ve been impressed by the quality and innovation within the British software sector, and Rapport3’s expertise and client base make this a highly strategic addition to our business. Browne Jacobson’s deep understanding of cross-border transactions and the UK market has been invaluable. This is our second deal together, and their commercial approach and technical excellence made the process seamless.”

The acquisition reflects continued investor confidence in UK software firms and highlights the growing interest of international funds in supporting the country’s expanding technology landscape.

Private equity firm exits investment in Leicester’s Obsequio Group

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Private equity firm exits investment in Leicester’s Obsequio Group
Beech Tree Private Equity has exited its investment in Obsequio Group, with Warren Equity Partners joining as the new investment partner. Obsequio is a provider of fire safety, water hygiene, security, asbestos, energy, and environmental compliance services across the UK, supporting both public and private sector clients. The business will continue to be led by Simon Abley (CEO) and Simon Cashmore (executive chairman) who together founded the Obsequio Group in 2020. This transaction represents the first exit from Beech Tree PE Fund III and delivers strong returns for Beech Tree, with Obsequio’s revenues increasing from £17m to over £70m over the course of Beech Tree’s investment. Obsequio, headquartered in Leicester and now employing over 630 staff, has expanded rapidly since Beech Tree’s investment in 2023 both organically and through a series of seven bolt-on acquisitions, which have extended the range of compliance services offered by the Group as well as expanded its geographic coverage. As part of the investment from Warren Equity Partners, two further acquisitions have been announced: Atlas World, an active fire compliance specialist based in Belfast, and PLP Fire Protection, a smoke and ventilation specialist based in Chatham. Simon Abley, CEO, said: “Our journey with Beech Tree over the past two and a half years has been exceptional. With their support, we’ve achieved significant growth – both organically and through strategic acquisitions and strengthened our senior management team.” Ben Cartwright, director, Beech Tree Private Equity, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Simon Abley, Simon Cashmore and the rest of the Obsequio management team and see Obsequio grow into the standout business that it is today. We look forward to seeing the business continue to grow alongside their new investors, Warren Equity Partners.”

Acquisitions see energy business strengthen position in European liquid gas market

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Acquisitions see energy business strengthen position in European liquid gas market
Ireland-based energy business DCC has made two acquisitions, strengthening its position in the European liquid gas market. DCC has acquired the AvantiGas cylinder business in Chesterfield, through Leicestershire firm Flogas Britain. It has also agreed to acquire FLAGA GmbH, a distributor of liquid gas in Austria in a deal valued at £47.5m. Both acquisitions have been from UGI International, LLC.
“These acquisitions are an important step in our strategy to become the leading energy solutions provider in our chosen markets,” said Donal Murphy, Chief Executive. “Liquid gas is one of our top growth priorities, and we’re excited to welcome the teams in Austria and the UK to DCC.”

Vaillant marks milestone with Derby factory visit

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Vaillant marks milestone with Derby factory visit

Vaillant Group UK’s manufacturing facility in Derby welcomed a royal visit to mark its growing role in the UK’s low-carbon heating sector. The 12,200-square-metre plant, located near the company’s Belper headquarters, produces uniSTOR high-recovery hot water cylinders designed for both traditional and low-temperature heating systems.

The visit included a guided tour of the factory and an overview of the company’s production process for its cylinder range. Apprentices specialising in welding and engineering were among those who met guests, highlighting Vaillant’s investment in developing technical skills to support the transition to cleaner heating technologies.

Henrik Hansen, Managing Director of Vaillant Group UK and Ireland, said:

“It was an honour to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to our manufacturing site. She was able to view the innovating manufacturing process we have developed to support the growth of low carbon home heating systems. We are very proud of the contribution we are making to help customers transition to cleaner energy use through our technology and manufacturing excellence based in the East Midlands.”

Local and regional leaders attended the event, including representatives from Derby City Council, the Lord-Lieutenant’s office, and business and community partners such as Derby Museums, Derby College, and Marketing Derby.

The Derby plant, opened as part of Vaillant’s 150th anniversary celebrations, forms part of the company’s long-term strategy to expand its UK manufacturing capabilities. The facility has increased local employment and created apprenticeship opportunities, strengthening the East Midlands’ contribution to the low-carbon economy.

Russell Roof Tiles secures major funding to boost production and innovation

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Russell Roof Tiles secures major funding to boost production and innovation

Roof tile manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles has secured an eight-figure funding package from HSBC UK to support expansion and innovation across its operations. The deal will allow the company to increase manufacturing capacity and advance new product development, including its latest launch, Bute3, a design that merges three plain tiles into one for improved efficiency.

The investment follows the completion of an £18.5 million fully automated production line at the company’s Burton on Trent facility, where Bute3 is now in full production. The firm expects a 30 per cent rise in turnover over the coming year, driven by increased demand and strategic reinvestment in its sites.

Founded in 1892 and part of the Crown Roof Tiles Group since 2011, Russell Roof Tiles employs around 200 people across its sites in Burton on Trent and Lochmaben. The refinancing was supported by legal advisers Freeths and Pinsent Masons, acting for the company and HSBC UK, respectively.

M&B appoints new CFO from M&S as leadership transition begins

April Lara
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M&B appoints new CFO from M&S as leadership transition begins

Mitchells & Butlers has announced the appointment of Emma Harris, finance director for food at Marks & Spencer, as its next chief financial officer. She will succeed Tim Jones, who plans to retire after nearly 15 years in the role.

Jones joined the pub and restaurant operator in 2010 and played a central role in strengthening its financial position and steering it through the pandemic. His planned departure is part of the company’s broader succession planning strategy. Harris brings significant experience from senior finance roles at Asda, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and M&S.

A formal date for Harris’s appointment has not been set, but Jones will remain in post until a full handover is complete, expected by early summer 2026. The move marks a continued effort by the company to maintain financial stability and support its brand portfolio, which includes Miller & Carter, All Bar One, and Toby Carvery.

See Limited wins national award for innovation

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See Limited wins national award for innovation
Corby-based See Limited has clinched the Innovation of the Year accolade at this year’s National Building and Construction Awards. The Northants company took away Gold at a special black tie awards ceremony at the Leonardo Royal London Tower Bridge Hotel. The group holding company, responsible for businesses involved in the supply, distribution and fabrication of wood veneer and decorative laminate panels in the UK built environment industry, was recognised for taking action to help remove the impact of its sector on the environment. According to the UK Green Building Council this impact equates to 40% of the UK’s total carbon footprint. By focusing on innovation, See Limited has successfully distributed a line of zero-carbon driven products including BioCarbon Laminates, the UK’s first zero-carbon driven range of solid grade and high-pressure laminates for commercial washroom environments, and BioCarbon Worktops, the UK’s first carbon neutral kitchen worktop targeting UK homeowners. It has also worked with environmental consultants and the Sustainable Business Alliance to produce an independent third party Life Cycle Analysis, Environmental Product Declaration of the product range over its full ‘Cradle-to Grave’ life cycle, and an annual sustainability report. The national award win marks two consecutive years of success at the National Building and Construction Awards, having taken the title for Sustainability at last year’s awards. “We’re honoured to be Gold award winners,” said Daniel McNerney, managing director at See Limited. “This recognition reflects not only our innovation across our products but also our deep commitment to sustainability, collaboration and future-proofing the way we work. “At See Limited we believe innovation flourishes in a culture that values people, purpose and progress, where creative thinking and responsible growth go hand in hand. “A huge thank you to our incredible teams at our companies – See Limited, Bousfields and Performance Panels Limited – for their dedication, integrity and forward-thinking mindset. It’s their hard work and shared vision that makes achievements like this possible.”

Cooper Parry Wealth eyes national expansion

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Cooper Parry Wealth eyes national expansion
Cooper Parry Wealth (CPW) is entering a new chapter, with new leadership and plans to scale across the UK, starting with a major push into Manchester and the North West. David Kendrick, who stepped into the role of managing director in July, is leading the charge. With CPW already managing over £1.7bn of assets for 900 families, the goal is to grow that figure to £6bn over the next three years, delivering £50m revenue. That growth will be driven by strategic acquisitions, key hires, digital investment and deeper integration with Cooper Parry’s wider business – particularly across its eight hubs in the East and West Midlands, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, Dungannon Northern Ireland, Manchester, Reading and London. David has already started to expand the business in the North West, with key hires of Hannah Davies – director of growth, Paul Clifford – relationship manager and Anna McKenzie – paraplanner team leader. This rapid team growth is expected to continue, alongside acquisition conversations in the region. “It’s exciting times,” said David. “We’re not re-platforming or relocating the business. We’re scaling out across the Cooper Parry group’s hubs. We’re in advanced talks with potential partners and talent to supercharge our presence in the region – a truly exciting time to be part of this great business.” With a team of 80+ already in place, CPW expects to grow to nearly 300 people within three years.

Peritus Learning joins East Midlands Chamber patron network

April Lara
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Peritus Learning joins East Midlands Chamber patron network

Leicester-based online training provider Peritus Learning has joined the East Midlands Chamber as a patron, strengthening ties with the regional business community.

The move positions Peritus Learning to contribute to local workforce development and policy dialogue while expanding access to its digital learning platform across the Chamber’s network. Founded in 2004, the company delivers more than 180 online courses in leadership, compliance, IT, and professional development. Its programmes have supported over 100,000 users across multiple sectors.

Peritus Learning operates the Improve Training platform, which enables organisations to manage compliance and upskill staff through a single system. The firm’s approach emphasises cost-efficient, scalable access to training resources, aiming to simplify how businesses deliver learning across teams.

East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “Peritus Learning adds significant value to the Chamber’s operations, supporting workforce development, compliance and leadership growth. Through its online courses and Improve Training platform, Peritus Learning provides engaging, high-quality training that offers a one-stop solution for businesses to meet their regulatory, legislative and skills development needs.

“The Chamber has benefited from Peritus Learning courses for many years and they remain a key part of our internal learning and training toolkit. I’m delighted Peritus Learning is to become a patron, strengthening our longstanding collaboration.”

The partnership is expected to enhance opportunities for Chamber members to strengthen leadership and training capacity while promoting a culture of continuous learning within East Midlands businesses.

Midlands businesses prioritise social mobility as talent challenges intensify

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Midlands businesses prioritise social mobility as talent challenges intensify
Improving social mobility is a priority for 96% of mid-sized businesses in the Midlands, with almost a third (31%) ranking it as their biggest priority, according to BDO’s latest survey of 500 UK mid-sized businesses. The Economic Engine survey revealed that businesses in the region are investing in practical ways to support young people and unlock talent. Over a third (36%) of companies polled in the Midlands are using work experience or insight programmes to improve social mobility, while 39% of businesses have employee-led advocacy groups in place. As Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces plans to increase the numbers of young people gaining a technical qualification, the research also found that 37% of businesses are leveraging the apprenticeship levy to improve social mobility. This focus on providing direct, hands-on support into the workplace is personal for Midlands business leaders, with many building their own careers on similar opportunities. Half (50%) stated that graduate programmes helped them get started in their career, and over four-in-ten (43%) benefited from work experience and placements to get on the ladder. The push to improve social mobility comes as talent challenges intensify, with a third (33%) of Midlands businesses surveyed citing plugging skills gaps as their biggest current workforce challenge. Specific barriers include competition from other employers (41%) and difficulties matching pay expectations (35%). Location and lack of transport connections was also flagged by over a third (37%) of surveyed leaders as a challenge when it comes to accessing talent. Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, said: “Social mobility matters to the Midlands business community and mid-sized businesses are taking real action to improve access to career opportunities through a range of initiatives – from work experience programmes to leveraging the apprenticeship levy. “Many of today’s leaders benefitted from similar opportunities and clearly feel a sense of duty to support the next generation. However, providing opportunities to a wider range of young people today is not just driven by personal experience, it’s also about building a resilient workforce for the future and tackling the growing skills gap that’s threatening growth in the region.”
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