The deal

FRP Corporate Finance advised Rapid Repair Network, a leading provider of same-day accident repair solutions, on a deal that sees Chiltern Capital invest in the business to help drive further growth.

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Southampton, Rapid Repair Network has developed a strong market position and now delivers more than 10,000 same-day repairs annually to leading insurers, accident management companies and fleets. It has built an extensive supplier network, which means it is able to service the whole of the UK.

Our Corporate Finance team led by Partner Ryan Symonds and supported by Assistant Manager Ed Jones, advised Rapid Repair Network on its search for investment. The team ran a competitive process to source the right investment partner, and then negotiated and managed the process through to completion. Our team provided hands-on project management and expert advice which helped bring about a desired outcome for all stakeholders.

The deal will enable the non-management shareholders to exit with the senior management team retaining a significant equity holding moving forwards. Chiltern will now play an active role in supporting managing director Rob Hawes and his management team to drive further growth for the business. Additional debt funding to support this growth was secured from ThinCats.

Ryan Symonds, Partner at FRP Corporate Finance, said: “It was a privilege to work with Rob and the team at Rapid Repair Network to help them achieve such a positive outcome. We have seen first-hand the huge growth potential of this business, as it’s created a niche service offering that is now seeing a huge increase in demand.

“This continued growth of the business made Rapid Repair Network an exciting investment opportunity and Chiltern is an ideal partner. We look forward to seeing them go from strength to strength in this next phase of growth.”

Rob Hawes, Managing Director at Rapid Repair Network, added: “It’s an exciting time for Rapid Repair Network as we’re looking to build on our momentum and continue our growth trajectory. It was important that we found not just an investor to supply capital, but a partner that will support us on the next phase of our growth journey, and from the outset Chiltern stood out as the investor to do just that.

“The support and guidance provided by the team at FRP Corporate Finance was second to none. Their calm and pragmatic approach to the process not only eased the concerns of the shareholders but made the technical aspects of the transaction easy to understand. Ryan and Ed were professional throughout and determined to deliver a transaction that achieved all of the shareholders’ objectives.”

Rapid Repair Network was advised by FRP Corporate Finance and Farleys Solicitors.

Chiltern was advised by JCK, Marriott Harrison and FRP Debt Advisory.