Acquisitions in Lancashire, United Kingdom

Panthera Biopartners, a UK-based site management organisation (SMO) supporting commercial Phase II and Phase III clinical trials, secured an investment from private equity firm LDC to accelerate expansion and enhance clinical capabilities. The transaction provides an exit for Gresham House Ventures and BGF (which will reinvest and remain a minority shareholder), while LDC backs Panthera’s existing management team to expand across the UK and Europe.

An affiliate of Stellex Capital Management acquired a majority stake in UK-based Fox Brothers Holdings Group from existing shareholders and managers, with existing shareholders reinvesting and Paul Fox remaining CEO. As part of the transaction, Fox Brothers will merge with J A Jackson to create a more integrated construction materials and services provider supporting the UK construction and infrastructure market.

Astatine Investment Partners (AIP) announced it has acquired NRG Riverside, the United Kingdom’s leading rental provider of specialist waste collection vehicles. NRG Riverside was acquired from Palatine and other shareholders, and the investment is intended to support continued growth including customers’ transition to zero-emission vehicles; financial terms were not disclosed.

Mergon, a plastics manufacturing company backed by Elysian Capital II LP, has acquired Weltonhurst Limited, a UK supplier of technical blow moulded components. The acquisition expands Mergon’s manufacturing capabilities and establishes a UK base to deepen relationships with UK customers and broaden its product range.