The deal

In a deal supported by FRP Corporate Finance, private equity firm Agathos Management LLP (Agathos) has acquired leading geospatial surveying company Plowman Craven.

Agathos is a London-based private equity firm investing in UK businesses valued up to £25 million, with experience supporting the transformation of businesses through strategic acquisitions, buy and build, and more. Its investment in Plowman Craven, the UK’s largest geospatial survey generalist, will support the firm’s expansion in the US and Australia, as well as M&A and the further acquisition of market-leading surveying technology.

Plowman Craven provides essential measurement survey and consultancy services to a broad range of blue-chip property, utility and infrastructure clients and the investment from Agathos will support its ambition to become a global geospatial leader, with an internationally recognised presence and brand.

Our debt advisory team, led by Partner Tom Cox and Senior Manager Amit Bagga, were appointed as exclusive debt advisers to support Agathos with the sourcing of buyout financing for the transaction.

The team managed a competitive process, ultimately securing a financing solution with Virgin Money to support the immediate transaction, while also providing a runway for future growth.

Tom Cox, Partner at FRP Corporate Finance, said: “The transaction demonstrates a strong lender appetite to support market leading platforms, underpinned by a clear incoming private equity investment thesis and a proven energised management team.”

John Butterworth, Senior Investment Manager at Agathos, said: “Not only did FRP manage a very effective debt raise, but they were also a pleasure to work with. We were very pleased with the resulting debt package which puts Plowman Craven in an excellent position to capitalise on its growth opportunities.”

Agathos Management LLP were advised by FRP Corporate Finance (Debt Advisory), Stephenson Harwood (Legal), CIL (CDD), Grant Thornton (FTDD) and Continuum (ODD).