Walker Morris has advised AIM-quoted engineering services group Renew Holdings on its proposed £80 million acquisition of QTS Group.
The law firm also advised Renew on a placing to raise gross proceeds of £45 million and new debt facilities to fund the acquisition of QTS.
QTS is a specialist independent rail contractor based in Scotland that has a longstanding relationship with Network Rail, operating under long-term framework positions.
Its acquisition will increase Renew’s market share, footprint and specialist positioning in the rail market and will add complementary services to the existing group’s rail offering.
Walker Morris fielded a team of multidisciplinary specialist lawyers to advise Renew on the acquisition and placing, including: Debbie Jackson, Richard Naish, Laura Cavell and Sonia Lonsdale (corporate); Peter Considine and Laura Lister (banking and finance); Andrew Rayment and Charlotte Smith (employment); and Sarah Bruce (tax).
Jackson commented: “Renew is a long-standing client of the firm and it is particularly satisfying to see them go from strength to strength. We’ve advised them on a number of acquisitions in the past including Clarke Telecom Limited and Giffen Holdings Limited. This latest transaction will reinforce their proven strategy to achieve growth through selective acquisitions.”
Paul Scott, CEO of Renew, said of the developments: “We are delighted to welcome the management and staff of QTS to the Renew group. This is a very complementary and earnings enhancing acquisition that aligns with our established and proven strategy, strengthening our position in the UK infrastructure market.”
“QTS has grown to become a leading and well respected brand in the rail sector and we very much look forward to supporting its ambition for continued growth including opportunities via collaboration across our expanded range of services in this sector.”
Alan McLeish, managing director of QTS, said: “QTS is delighted to be joining the Renew Group and we very much look forward to the future as part of a larger group. The transaction will provide opportunities to expand our market share and benefit from the synergies with their existing successful brands working in highly regulated sectors. It was important to attract an owner with relevant expertise to support our growth ambitions without compromise to customer service or staff loyalty, the Renew business model fits perfectly with these aspirations.”
