Acquisitions in Essex, United Kingdom

LDC exited its investment in Shaken Udder, the UK’s premium milkshake brand, selling the business to Spain-based chocolate company Idilia. The transaction follows a four-year partnership during which LDC made a minority investment (2021) and supported significant revenue and distribution growth at Shaken Udder.

Aliter Capital LLP provided additional funding to its portfolio company ITM Communications (ITM) to acquire Bates IT, an Essex-based provider of ICT support services to the NHS and broader healthcare sector. Bates IT will join the group within Aliter Capital II alongside ITM, supporting a buy-and-build strategy to expand critical network and ICT infrastructure services across the United Kingdom.

Hanover Investors made a significant equity investment in New Era Energy, a UK distributor of liquid fuels and fuel-related consumables. Hanover will partner with new CEO James Hunt and the existing team to support New Era’s growth plans and expansion of its environmentally focused offerings, investing via Hanover Active Equity Fund III.

Trawick International Ltd., a London-based subsidiary of Trawick Holdings, LLC, entered into an agreement to acquire a controlling stake in Greenlight Insurance Services Limited. Greenlight is a UK specialist vehicle insurance provider headquartered in Billericay, Essex, and the investment is intended to support Trawick’s expansion and diversification in the UK market.

Beech Tree Private Equity (BTPE) announced an investment in Arc Systems, a UK-based provider of cloud and IT managed services. The funding is intended to support Arc Systems’ continued growth and scaling, including expanded capabilities across the Microsoft stack and further investment in people and technical excellence.

Safe Fleet, a portfolio company of Oak Hill Capital Partners, acquired Labcraft, a UK-based designer and manufacturer of LED lighting for commercial and emergency vehicles. Labcraft will continue to operate as a standalone entity, expanding Safe Fleet’s safety solutions portfolio and strengthening its presence in the European commercial vehicle market.

Shaken Udder, a premium milkshake brand headquartered in Tiptree, Essex, has secured a minority investment from mid-market private equity firm LDC. The funding will support continued product development, expanded distribution (including convenience), increased brand marketing, and potential international expansion, while founders Jodie and Andrew Howie continue to lead the business.

AMETEK, Inc. announced it has acquired Alphasense, a provider of gas and particulate sensors used in environmental, health & safety, and air quality applications. Alphasense will join AMETEK’s Electronic Instruments Group, expanding AMETEK’s presence in the environmental health and safety sensor market.

S. Thorogood & Sons acquired Mushroom Man for £1.2 million. The deal expands Thorogood’s fruit and vegetable growing and wholesale business by adding a dedicated mushroom supplier serving many of London’s restaurants, with Mushroom Man to continue operating within the Thorogood group as its founder heads into retirement.

PIB Group Ltd has acquired Simply Insurance Services Ltd, a Purfleet, Essex-based specialist motor insurance business. The deal strengthens PIB’s motor offering for the automotive sector, adding road risks and commercial motor capabilities, while Simply’s 40-person team will remain to serve its national client base as it integrates into PIB.

Babble, a cloud communications, contact centre and cyber solutions firm backed by private equity investor LDC, has acquired Corporate Management Telecom Ltd (CMT). Based in Braintree and founded in 1998, CMT provides business telephony and cloud-based services, adding to Babble’s ongoing UK-focused buy-and-build strategy.