Finance Monthly Deal Maker Awards 2017 Edition

www.finance-monthly.com 48 FINANCE MONTHLY DEAL MAKER AWARDS 2017 MANAGEMENT BUYOUT CAMERON VARLEY Cameron, a Chartered Accountant, formed Camlee in 2004 having previously worked in the corporate finance teams of PwC and Grant Thornton. He is a leading dealmaker in the UK and International SME marketplace having advised on over 200 buy-side and sale-side transactions, with values ranging from £5m to £200m. Cameron has always prided himself on providing a professional and tailored service geared to achieving maximum value for each of his clients. This is evidenced by the number of satisfied clients who are prepared to provide video and verbal testimonials. Cameron knows exactly the issues facing an owner manager considering selling their business, as he has bought, run and sold several businesses personally. This gives him a special insight into the specific requirements of such a personal transaction. CONTACT Cameron Varley Managing Director – Camlee 4 Brooklands Place, Sale, M33 3SD Email: cameron@camleegroup.com Tel: + 44 (0) 161 870 1555 CAMERON VARLEY Managing Director of Camlee FIRM PROFILE Camlee is an independent corporate finance advisory firm with offices across the UK. Camlee predominately advises owner-mangers on succession planning, company acquisitions and raising finance. Sector focused, we work with a small portfolio of companies to maximise shareholder return, whilst at the same time preserving confidentiality and safeguarding the on- going interests of our clients companies. As owner-managers we understand the commercial sensitivities that come with the process, and that is why we pride ourselves on providing real knowledgeable advice. No sales patter just informed guidance on valuation, process and protocol. ADVISOR INTERVIEW Please summarise the transaction In 2016 Camlee were instructed by the shareholders of PAW Holdings Limited to explore succession strategies, including the possibility of a private equity led MBO. Established in 2001, PAW is the UK market leader in the design, manufacture and installation of pre-engineered light gauge building systems. The business has successfully built a reputation for innovation, technical expertise and reliability, and is recognised as the UK’s leading specialist in the market. Following a competitive bidding process, that included no less than seven mid-market private equity houses, Camlee facilitated the sale of PAW Holdings Limited to LDC (‘Lloyds Development Capital’) for an undisclosed sum. What was your role in the transaction? I was the Lead Advisor on the transaction, ably supported by fellow directors Paul Thompson and Lee Wojtkiw. We project managed the whole transaction from conception through to completion. What were the challenges or difficulties presented? With any MBO the personal dynamics of the operational team are integral to the success of the transaction. In this instance, there was an added complication with family members being both vendors and buyers. How were the challenges and difficulties overcome? It was imperative from the outset that the MBO team’s aspirations were aligned. We worked hard to ensure that the process was collaborative and transparent so as to avoid any internal conflict. By doing this the presentations to private equity funders were consistent and effective. What are your predictions for 2018 and beyond? Our work in progress for 2018 is very strong, assisted, in some part, by the position of our currency. We have seen a marked pick-up in the level of overseas interest for our divestment mandates. My strong belief is that UK will continue to be a great place for innovation and enterprise and thus M&A will play a key part in its continued development. Awarded for his involvement in the following transactions: LDC Backs MBO of PAW Holdings Q Q Q Q Q