Forward advises Greenwoods on its investment from Gresham House Ventures
Forward Corporate Finance (“Forward”) is delighted to have advised Greenwoods on its investment from Gresham House Ventures (“Gresham”) to accelerate its ambitious growth strategy.
Greenwoods provides specialist legal advice to businesses and individuals across a broad range of disciplines, including corporate and commercial, employment, real estate, dispute resolution, intellectual property, and private client matters. With offices in London, Cambridge and Peterborough, the business has grown by nearly 45% in the past two years. The investment will enable it to deliver even greater value to clients through smarter technology, deeper sector expertise, and enhanced client service.
The funding from Gresham House Ventures will be used to further strengthen the business’s technology offering, enhance its client service, and embed new growth initiatives.
Rob Dillarstone will continue to lead the business by stepping into the CEO role to focus on strategy and growth, while Clare Harris will become managing partner and COO, focused on optimising the operational excellence of the company through its accelerated growth. The business will also welcome an independent chair, Graham Coxell, and a non-executive director, Mark Stroud, who both bring a wealth of experience scaling professional services businesses both organically and through acquisition.
Commenting on the transaction, Rob Dillartone says “This is the natural next step for us. In the role of CEO, I’m looking forward to focusing on the bigger picture – driving our strategy, expanding our reach, and making sure we stay true to who we are. We’ve got big plans, and now we’ve got the backing to make them happen.”
He added, “Sarah and Will from Forward have been exceptional in supporting me, my fellow partners and team through this transaction. Right from the beginning they explained how private equity could help us achieve our goals, they structured a deal that worked for everyone and have been right beside us all the way through the meetings, due diligence and negotiations. They have been a trusted partner and their skills, perseverance and attention to detail were instrumental in getting this transaction completed.”
Sarah Moores, Director, Forward Corporate Finance, added “From the first meeting with Rob and his team it felt like seeking a private equity partner was the right approach to take. After a competitive process, the team selected Gresham for the alignment in ambition, as well as skills and support they could bring to the partnership. Now with excellent new hires joining the business, and funds available for investment, Greenwoods is in an excellent position to accelerate its growth plans.”
Legal advice for Greenwoods was provided by Peter Allen, James Skivington, Alex O’Donoughue and their wider team at Browne Jacobson, and tax advice was provided by James Boustead and Hayley Sheppard at Rickard Luckin.