Management Passes Test in Microlease MBO

July 2006

A telecoms industry expert, who carried out a strategic review of the Europe’s leading supplier of test and measurement rental equipment as part of his MBA, has now led a £30m buy-out backed by Lloyds Development Capital.

Following the completion of his MBA, Nigel Brown joined Microlease, the Harrow based supplier to telecoms OEMs, and quickly become COO and Head of Sales and Marketing. He has played a significant role in making Microlease Europe’s market leader in the supply of sophisticated and complex test and measurement equipment for rent or hire by customers in the telecoms, aerospace and defence industries.

However, for the business to continue its rapid development, the current family shareholders, led by Managing Director Paul Rennie, recognised that access to external investment was key. Mid-market private equity house LDC has provided the funding for the acquisition, and a commitment to assist Microlease’s growth strategy.

LDC was advised by Livingstone deal leaders Frank Bulman and Christopher Jones. Jones comments: “With the backing of LDC, Microlease ideally positioned to capitalise on the resurgence of the global telecoms sector through its operations across Europe and America. As equipment rental penetration is still low across all these territories the MBO team should have huge scope for expansion as telecoms groups strive for efficiency improvements in the use of capital.”

Christpher Jones, Deal Leader
Tel: 020 7484 4724
Email: cjones@livingstonepartners.co.uk

Frank Bulman, Deal Leader
Tel: 020 7484 4709
Email: fbulman@livingstonepartners.co.uk