“Forward ran an excellent process, and in The MEL Group they found the right partner for the business, who will ensure EDS goes from strength to strength. Rob was instrumental in managing the transaction from start to finish.”
| Date: | February 2018 |
|---|---|
| Project: | Sale Lead Advisory |
| Sector: | Engineering |
| Role: | Sell side lead advisory |
Forward Corporate Finance is delighted to announce the sale of EDS Engineering Services Limited to Suffolk headquartered The MEL Group.
EDS based in Chelmsford, Essex was founded in 1956 and is among the UK’s most well established and experienced precision engineering specialists to the aerospace, defence and industrial sectors.
For the MEL Group this continues their path towards being a £100m turnover group, through a mixture of organic growth and acquisition. EDS adds further engineering capability across some of their key sectors.
Michael Kirkham, owner of EDS commented, “Forward ran an excellent process, and in The MEL Group they found the right partner for the business, who will ensure EDS goes from strength to strength. Rob was instrumental in managing the transaction from start to finish.”
Gary Harvey, the CEO of The MEL Group explained that “the acquisition of EDS, such a well-respected and highly skilled precision engineering business, is synonymous with the group’s strategy to add complementary businesses serving tier 1 blue chip customers.”
Stuart Clarke, the Managing Director of EDS has added that “the acquisition will inevitably bring further opportunities to EDS and the team at EDS are looking forward to using their skills to good effect as part of the enlarged group.”
Forward Corporate Finance provided full deal support to the shareholders of EDS, from looking for a buyer through to completing the transaction. Rob Dukelow-Smith led the deal and commented that “It has been a pleasure to work with Michael Kirkham and Stuart Clarke at EDS and the team at accountants Lambert Chapman on the sale, supported throughout by Adam Jones and the Corporate team at Birketts on the legal process. Not only was this a real team effort, it was also a pleasure to work opposite trusted advisors to The MEL Group including Paul Dell at Raffingers Accountants and Keith Vincent at Aquabridge Law.”