MHA supports management team to acquire specialist coatings manufacturer

A Manchester-based company that makes high-performance anti-skid coatings for clients worldwide has been acquired by members of its management team.

Beegrip Limited produces specialist coatings used in the marine and civil sectors around the world, including by shipbuilders, port operators and contractors, helping to ensure safe movement for both people and cargo.

The company has been acquired by commercial director Nina Lightfoot and technical sales manager Josh Workman. The deal, for an undisclosed sum, facilitates an exit from the business for former shareholders Steve Greathead and Amy Wright.

MHA advised Nina and Josh on the acquisition, including providing support with forecast modelling, deal structure, purchase price and review of legal documentation.

Nina Lightfoot and Josh Workman now take over from Steve Greathead as managing directors of Beegrip. Nina Lightfoot said: “Josh and I are proud to take over the business and look forward to upholding the outstanding reputation Beegrip has gained around the world for product and service quality.”

Steve Greathead, founder and former Managing Director of Beegrip, said “I believe the transition is in the best interest of BIMAGRIP® stakeholders and helps retain manufacturing jobs and global trade expertise in the North West region of the UK. I wish Josh and Nina every success with their new roles.”

Our corporate finance team on the transaction was led by Andrew Feeke and Sam Singleton while our tax team was led by David Hackett and Saira Ahmad.

Andrew Feeke, partner and head of corporate finance at MHA, said: “Beegrip is another fantastic Manchester success story and yet another symbol of this region’s prowess for innovation and global exporting.

“We’re proud to have supported Beegrip’s ambitious management team throughout this process, achieving a deal that provides excellent outcomes for all parties. We’re looking forward to seeing Nina, Josh and the team drive the business forward and onto its next successful chapter.”

Josh Workman added: “We’re incredibly thankful to MHA for their excellent support and guidance. The advice provided by the team was invaluable and, knowing everything was being looked after, meant we could get on with the day-to-day running of the business while the process was ongoing in the background.”

Beegrip was established in 2017 to realise a management buyout of the BIMAGRIP® industrial coating business. Originally developed in the late 1980’s, BIMAGRIP® is today a market leading brand in marine and civil industries. Manufactured in the North West region of the UK and supplied globally, recent year on year double digit growth has been achieved through national and international sales, particularly in the Far East.

Its products have gone on to be used to provide anti-skid surfaces for a wide range of marine and civil applications, including vehicular carriageways, bridge decks, steel decks, linkspans and bridges.

Harrison Drury’s corporate team provided legal advice to the buyer with its team led by Richard Life, Jennifer Murphy and Richard Williams-Bulkeley. Colin Mellor, Gemma Lingard and Christian Mancier at Gorvins provided legal advice to the seller.