The deal

MML, the London-headquartered international mid-market private equity firm, has partnered with leading financial services compliance specialist Cosegic.

MML was advised by both our Corporate Finance and Debt Advisory teams on the investment, which will support the Cosegic management team’s plan to accelerate the business’ organic and M&A led growth in the UK and overseas.

Cosegic, which is also London-based and has a second office in Hertfordshire, currently employs more than 60 people and provides award-winning regulatory compliance support to financial services companies. The investment builds on MML’s expertise in the financial services sector and people-based businesses.

Our cross-disciplinary team, led by Partners Mark Farlow (Corporate Finance) and Simon Sherliker (Debt Advisory), acted as buyside advisers to MML throughout the transaction process – with the Corporate Finance team supporting with valuation, market mapping and detailed financial modelling and analysis, while the Debt Advisory team simultaneously sourced a competitive debt package to finance the transaction. This helped to ensure a smooth investment process and the best possible outcome for all parties.

Mark Farlow, Partner at FRP Corporate Finance in London, said: “This deal further extends MML’s specialism and track record in supporting financial services businesses and marks a continuation of the strong appetite from private equity to invest in the sector. We enjoyed working with the team from start to finish on both the corporate finance and debt elements of the deal, and we’re sure this is the start of a fruitful partnership for MML and Cosegic.”

Simon Sherliker, Debt Advisory Partner at FRP Corporate Finance, added: “It was a pleasure to provide the team at MML with debt advice and support for this investment. The combination of Cosegic and MML is compelling and lenders were consequently able to fully buy into their growth strategy meaning we were able to arrange a flexible and scalable funding package that will support their organic and M&A ambitions.”

Henry Alty, Investment Director at MML, said: “Since first meeting the Cosegic team we were impressed by their passion and enthusiasm for supporting their clients. We look forward to working closely with the team there to support their UK and international growth ambitions.

“The support from Mark, Simon and the team at FRP Corporate Finance was incredibly valuable at every stage. Both FRP M&A and Debt advisory teams worked tirelessly as an extension to the MML deal team and we were extremely grateful for their input and expertise in managing the transaction through to completion.”