ACDC changes hands in MBO

A Swansea company specialising in automation, control and electrical power systems is looking to develop new markets following its acquisition from its owners by its managing director in an MBO.

The entire share capital of ACDC Automated Systems Limited has been acquired by Andrew Beer, its Managing Director since 1995. Bob Pitcher remains the other Director of the company. The deal, completed for an undisclosed sum, was brokered by Mark Hislop, corporate finance director of Broomfield & Alexander.

Legal aspects of the deal were handled by Sian Elvis, head of corporate business at New Law. Funding came from Finance Wales and UK Steel Enterprise.

The company, which last year turned over £1.8 million, specialises in the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of bespoke electrical control systems from its sites at Horizon Park and Gilsea Park, on the Swansea Enterprise Park.

The business was established in 1985 by its previous owner, electrical engineer David Colderick. Andrew Beer joined ACDC Automated Systems in 1993 as a sales manager, becoming managing director two years later.

The company employs high calibre electrical project engineers, hardware and software designers, technicians, electricians, mechanical fitters, apprentices and admin staff, and with an increase in manufacturing facilities secured, new projects and customers are being sought.

The company services contracts throughout the UK and overseas and is currently completing orders which will be shipped to Nigeria and India. It has developed a long established reputation within the water sector, especially within the South Wales area, and has been a successful supplier to Welsh Water for over 20 years.

Said Andrew Beer: “The company has earned a very good reputation for the quality of its staff and its services. We will now be looking to develop opportunities in new markets while maintaining our long-term commitments to our loyal customer base.

“We provide a bespoke service where attention to detail is paramount and as a result we build strong relationships with our customers who know they can rely on the quality of our work.”

Mark Hislop, of Broomfield & Alexander, said: “We are delighted to have been able to work with Andrew Beer to complete this transaction and help Andrew to effect a smooth transition between owners, ensuring that it is very much business as usual.”

Nick Sylvester, Investment Executive at Finance Wales, said funding for such an MBO was imperative. “A smooth MBO requires good planning and part of that includes sourcing the right funding for the deal. We are pleased to have been able to tailor a package that suits Andrew and the MBO team alongside UK Steel Enterprise.”

Glyn Thomas of UK Steel Enterprise said: “We are very pleased to have provided finance for this MBO, and we wish the new owner every success as he looks to take the company into new markets.”