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Firm announces its latest success in selling English Landscapes

24th April 2008

Smith & Williamson, as lead adviser to the vending shareholders, is pleased to announce that The Landscape Group Limited, known as "English Landscapes" has been sold to a management buy-out team backed by Elysian Capital LLP.

English Landscapes is a leading provider of landscape maintenance, street cleansing and horticultural construction services to the private and public sectors. Employing over 600 people and operating on a UK wide basis, English Landscapes has £40m of revenues and has grown successfully from the trend of local authorities to outsource their grounds maintenance, street cleansing and hard and soft landscaping requirements, together with the increased level of public realm regeneration work and historic park restoration.

Elysian Capital LLP specialise in investing in the mid-market in the UK with deal values between £10m to £70m and is focused on management buy-outs and buy and build opportunities.

Brian Livingston, Head of M&A at Smith & Williamson, commented "The transaction shows that owner managed businesses, with defensive qualities such as the robust revenue stream of facilities management, continue to attract significant interest even in the current difficult climate. The transaction follows in the footsteps of other Smith & Williamson support services deals such as the sale of Defaqto and Data Locator in the information services sector and Envirotec's acquisition of Westway Cooling, a HVAC contracted maintenance provider".

Harvey Alexander, Chairman and vendor of English Landscapes added, "Smith & Williamson introduced me to the transaction some three years ago and provided invaluable advice over my period of ownership. Involving Smith & Williamson was vital to completing the transaction successfully and I look forward to working with them again."

Smith & Williamson Corporate Finance Limited Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Member of the London Stock Exchange. Member of M&A International Inc. 

Disclaimer

By necessity, this briefing can only provide a short overview and it is essential to seek professional advice before applying the contents of this article. No responsibility can be taken for any loss arising from action taken or refrained from on the basis of this publication. Details correct at time of writing. 

Note to editors

Smith & Williamson is an independent professional and financial services group employing over 1,400 people. The group is a leading provider of investment management, financial advisory and accountancy services to private clients, professional practices and mid-to-large corporates. The group operates from offices in London, Belfast, Bristol, Glasgow, Guildford, Maidstone, Salisbury, Southampton and Worcester.

Smith & Williamson Limited

Regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities. A member of Nexia International, a worldwide network of independent accounting firms. 

Smith & Williamson Corporate Finance Limited

A member of M&A International Inc. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. A member of the London Stock Exchange.