Testimonials

As mid-market specialists, Livingstone provides an exceptional level of technical expertise and transaction support to a wide spectrum of clients with transactions in the €15m and €150m deal value arena.

Our clients include successful entrepreneurs and family shareholders, major corporations and ‘blue-chip’ financial sponsors. In each case, clients have been attracted to Livingstone’s professionalism and integrity, no-nonsense approach to corporate finance advice, and willingness to ‘get stuck in’ on their behalf.

Two-thirds of our fee income is based on repeat business and referrals from satisfied clients. We are driven by a passionate desire to build our own business and recognise that the best way to do so is to out-perform for our clients, thereby making them our best ambassadors.

To see a selection of our past clients, please click on the relevant link to the right.

"We are grateful to Livingstone for managing a discrete and effective process. Their advice and experience was helpful and relevant throughout.”
Charles Cain, Chairman - CM Skye, on the sale of a majority interest in the business to LJ Group

"The Livingstone team immediately saw the value of Taste as a global brand with enormous potential, and knew the acquirers who had the most to gain from the acquisition. They provided excellent support throughout the process."
Chris Hughes, CEO - Brands Events, on the sale of Taste Festivals Ltd to IMG Arts and Entertainment

"Livingstone played an invaluable role in making the transaction happen. Their deep knowledge and experience of the City Screen business and the cinema sector enabled them to provide informed advice to management and the shareholders throughout the sale process. Livingstone were particularly adept at marshalling the various shareholders and successfully managing their often diverse requirements."
Philip Bowcock, CFO - Cineworld Group Plc, on the acquisition of City Screen

“The Livingstone team were a solid and trusted sounding board for the company for over four years, but really showed their exceptional value when the company began exit discussions with Cineworld Group Plc. We felt the entire team expertly navigated negotiations both between the company shareholders and with Cineworld. Having known all of the parties involved for many years, Livingstone were acutely aware of the dynamics needed to ensure a successful transaction. For a bid lacking competitive tension, Livingstone excelled at keeping momentum behind the deal and securing full value for shareholders.”

Oliver Shapleski, Head of Legal and Business Affairs - Arts Alliance, on the sale of City Screen Ltd to Cineworld Group Plc

“I would like to thank Livingstone for their invaluable support through this complex process. In Dynasafe and Perusa I believe they have found the natural owner for the business.”
Christopher Kemball, departing Chairman - MineTech International on the sale of the business to Dynasafe Area Clearance Group

“I was delighted to once again have the support and guidance of the Livingstone team in this transaction. Having worked together on six previous deals, we have built up a close working relationship and their detailed knowledge of our business – and the Gaming sector in general - as well as their ability to think creatively to find solutions on transactions proved invaluable in helping to make this happen.”
Nick Harding, CEO - Marwyn Gaming on the sale of the business to Merkur Casino UK Ltd

"Livingstone was an ideal advisor to Gunnebo on this transaction, providing valuable insight and tactical expertise. We look forward to pursuing additional global opportunities with Livingstone in the future."
Tomas Wängberg, Senior Vice President of Business Development - Gunnebo AB on the acquisition of Hamilton Safe Companies

"The Livingstone team were instrumental in us completing our transaction by continually reminding us of the merits of the exit. This was only possible as they took time to understand our business and its internal dynamics.

Even when the negotiations were on a knife-edge (and there were many occasions when we thought that the deal would founder) they had our best interests at heart and their skill at handling difficult negotiations saw us through to the finishing line.

Initially I did not understand how they could deal with this emotional rollercoaster on daily basis, however, we eventually saw that it was down to the benefit of having seen these issues many times before and as such their ability to be pragmatic. Consequently, they remained calm throughout the difficult times and consistently generated solutions to overcome the challenges that was amicable to all parties.

Never was it more truly stated "it could not have been done without you". There were challenges but Livingstone helped us overcome them all without losing sight of the ultimate goal. The efforts of the team were exceptional.
Suresh Punjabi, Managing Director - Worldstone on the sale of the business to Jersey Telecom

"I would like to thank everyone at Livingstone and BLP for their hard work and amazing patience with the considerable intricacies of this deal."
Edward Cook, CEO - AVM on the secondary management buy-out of AVM, backed by Alcuin Caiptal Partners and Indigo Capital

“We are grateful to Livingstone for helping us through the transaction and finding GCP. GCP had a compelling offer and we were impressed with their track record of working in partnership with management teams to grow companies both organically and through acquisition.”
Dave Moorcroft, Managing Director - Excelsior Technologies, on the buy-out from its US Owner, backed by Growth Capital Partners

"This is the second time that we have worked with Livingstone after they helped us recapitalise the Business in 2009. The Livingstone team worked tirelessly to deliver an excellent result for the shareholders and the management team. They ran a focused, professional and ultimately very successful process.''
Richard Downs, CEO – Iglu.com on on the sale of the business to its management team, backed by Growth Capital Partners

"We were impressed by Livingstone’s understanding of the global travel and leisure sector,and the insight they brought to the value of our technology platform. They were committed to achieving the best result for the shareholders and have been tireless and tenacious in getting this deal over the line."
Mitch Cybulski, Chairman, The Leisure Pass Group, on the sale of the business to its management team, backed by private equity house Primary Capital

"Livingstone quickly generated a very high level of interest from a number of potential private equity investors, in a well-controlled and competitive process. They proved adept
at balancing the need to maximise shareholder value with the importance of building the team’s relationship with a future backer. Thanks to Livingstone, we’ve found a highly compatible partner, and I’m delighted to be working with Primary to take the
Group forward."
Darran Evans, CEO, The Leisure Pass Group, on the sale of the business to its management team, backed by private equity house Primary Capital

"Jeremy and Daniel were tenacious throughout and they combined a clear understanding of the business with creative solutions to complete this diffi cult transaction."
Denzil Rankine, non-executive director, The Leisure Pass Group, on the sale of the business to its management team, backed by private equity house Primary Capital

“Livingstone has now advised KGP on two transformational acquisitions, including our 2009 acquisition of EMBARQ Logistics. Livingstone’s guidance and deal expertise has delivered pronounced long-term benefits to our business capability and created meaningful value to our organisation.”
Trevor Putrah, President, KGP on the acquisition of certain assets of TE Connectivity Ltd

“Livingstone’s ability to grasp the complexity of our business model and provide deal expertise throughout the acquisition process was critical to the successful completion of the transaction.”
Mark Fortin, CEO, Double E on the sale of the business to Incline Equity Partners

“The Livingstone team was without a doubt the right partner for McAninch. They provided great guidance and were an invaluable component to our refinancing process.”
Doug McAninch, President, McAninch Corporation on the refinancing of the company backed by The PrivateBank and Trust Company

“Livingstone did an exceptional job creating a competitive process and bringing to the table the right financial partners who understood our business and the vision for the future. The team at Livingstone worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this transaction and the best outcome for NTE.”
Danny Kelly, CEO, NET Aviation on the growth recapitalisation of the company backed by Waveland Investments

We enjoyed working with the Livingstone team, who provided a structured, rigorous process to identify and penetrate the buyers with the right strategic reasons to acquire our business. Phil, Graham and the team were tireless in working to secure the best possible terms for the shareholders.”
Kevin Wheelhouse, Managing Director, Applied Kilovolts on the sale of the business to ITT Exelis

“Neil and his team at Livingstone provided me with excellent service throughout the process. As well as identifying exactly the type of investor I needed, they managed the complex transaction extremely well.”
The Founder and CEO of Oro Direct, on the sale of a majority shareholding of the company to JZ International

“At a time when few media companies are making meaningful acquisitions, it wasn’t an obvious choice to market a PR business to The Economist, but Livingstone know the sector well. We were very impressed with the strategic help and insight Livingstone brought to TVC, from the original deal in 2008 all the way through to this transaction.”
Paul Morris, Director, ISIS, on the sale of TVC to The Economist Group.

“Livingstone provided us with a local infrastructure and an established network of contacts. They oversaw the due diligence process, benchmarked our banking arrangements and worked closely with our UK lawyers, to steer the transaction to a successful conclusion.”
Jeffrey Siegel, Chairman, Lifetime Brands Inc. on the acquisition of Creative Tops Ltd.

“We are extremely happy with the results of the RADIL sale, we were impressed by Livingstone’s approach in creating and managing a competitive sale process.”
Ken Dean, Deputy Provost, University of Missouri on the sale of RADIL to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.

“Livingstone really helped us deal with the sale, as they successfully tackled all the ups and downs of the process and provided an emotional buffer when things got fraught. We would highly recommend them to entrepreneurs who want to sell their company.”
Christa Janssen, Managing Director, GOFA on the sale of the business to Chart Industries Inc.

“Livingstone has been a trusted and crucial adviser to TVC and fundamental in shepherding us through this important phase of TVC’s journey. They identified a truly inspiring partner in The Economist Group and worked tirelessly to negotiate and execute a successful conclusion. Their contribution is incredibly appreciated.”
Nigel Minter-Green, Managing Director, TVC on the sale of the business to The Economist Group.

“The Livingstone team added huge value to the company and the shareholders throughout the entire process, allowing us to draw on their deep sector knowledge and PE expertise to achieve a successful outcome.”
Patrick Henchoz, Non-Executive Director, Lifetime on the sale of the business to Sovereign Capital

“Livingstone provided us with a great deal of hands-on support and expert counsel in navigating the potentially turbulent waters around valuing the two businesses and negotiating a structure in which the Pole Star and Absolute investors share in the upside created by this exciting merger. Their familiarity with our sector and crossborder deal-making experience proved a real asset.”
Colin Hook, Chief Executive Officer, Pole Star on the merger of the business with Absolute Software Inc. and Absolute Maritime Tracking Services Inc.

“Livingstone were instrumental in running a tight and focussed exit transaction for the shareholders that resulted in the successful identification of a strategic trade purchaser with completion within a tight timeframe.”
David Amos, Chief Financial Officer, Quantix on the sale of the business to Interoute Communications Ltd

"We worked with Livingstone Partners for many years leading up to the sale process and we valued their wise counsel on the requisite shape of the business and timing of the sale process. Livingstone did an excellent job - they were highly professional, patient, provided incisive advice and were attentive to detail. The Livingstone team have delivered an outstanding result for the Interfleet shareholders."
David Rollin, Managing Director, Interfleet on the sale of the business to SNC-Lavalin Inc.

“In what was a highly complex transaction, Livingstone’s understanding of the different needs and objectives of all parties involved, together with their open, pragmatic and commercial approach, ensured a highly successful outcome for both us and the management team in what were very difficult circumstances. I would not hesitate to work with them again.”
Mark Salter, Senior Partner, Bowmark Capital LLP on Bowmark’s investment in EAT

“Livingstone represented a broad set of shareholders and worked tirelessly and objectively to help complete the deal. Their experience and creativity were put to the test and they delivered.”
Michael Simmonds, Partner, Risk Capital Partners on their investment in The Bread Factory

We would like to thank Livingstone for the introduction and for steering the transaction to a successful conclusion.”
Chase Emson, Partner at Magenta Partners LLP on the acquisition of a minority stake in iprism Underwriting Agency

“Livingstone had an excellent knowledge of potential buyers in the Business Services sector and played an important role in cultivating the relationship with AMEC that has resulted in this deal.”
James Blake, Partner – Growth Capital Partners on the sale of Entec Holdings Ltd to AMEC backed by Growth Capital Partners

“The Livingstone team did a great job and we are very pleased with the outcome.”
Sean Whelan, Managing Director, ECI, on the sale of WCI Consulting Group to TAKE Solutions

“Livingstone have done an excellent job for the Board, finding a partner for the business and generating an offer we have every confidence in recommending to the shareholders. They were a pleasure to deal with as they guided us through the process, adding value at each stage”.
Alan Schroeder, Chairman of Lincat Group Plc, on the sale of Lincat to The Middleby Corporation

“The Livingstone team was very clearly committed to ensuring a good deal happened in a timely manner. I was impressed with their attention to detail and their support to me and my team throughout the sale process.”
Jim Tizzard CEO of WCI on the sale of WCI Consulting Group to TAKE Solutions

“Having dealt with Livingstone when they were advising the vendors on the original Dataforce deal, we knew they were the right advisers to help us pursue our strategy. Livingstone’s knowledge of the contact centre space and their cross-border expertise meant that they were able to facilitate a swift and attractive sale to HOV Global Services.”
Ian Lancaster, CEO – TwentyCi Ltd on the sale of subsidiary Dataforce Interact Ltd to HOV Global Services

“The Livingstone team clearly knew the industry, and the relevant players, and were tireless in driving the deal forward. The strategic fit with Callcredit is excellent and we are thrilled about combining the wealth of available data to develop an exciting suite of propositions to help our clients drive even stronger returns for their marketing investment. We couldn’t have done it without Livingstone.”
Chris McDonald, Managing Director, The Trading Floor on the sale of the company to Callcredit Information Group

“This was the first time that we had worked with an investment banking firm, so having a team that we trusted was critical. The Livingstone team was a great partner throughout the process, using all of their experience and expertise to help us shape a deal that workedfor all of the shareholders. Their innovative, thoughtful approach and sheer determinationkept the deal on track and resulted in a successful outcome.”
Tom Molnar, Chief Executive, The Bread Factory on the sale of a stake in the business to Risk Capital Partners

“Livingstone gave us clear advice and helped us to navigate our way through the deal. I am delighted with the results achieved.”
Olly Olsen, Joint CEO, The Office Group on the MBO from Bridges Ventures

“Livingstone did an extremely professional and thorough job, and we were delighted with the result achieved. The valuation was a strong reflection of the business, its differentiated capability, and performance over the last 5 years, and in ECI I believe they have found an excellent partner for the team going forward. I would like to thank Livingstone for their invaluable help throughout the process.”
Richard Boardman, CEO at Reed & Mackay Holdings Ltd on the secondary buy-out backed by ECI Partners and ISIS Equity Partners

“The Livingstone team worked tirelessly to ensure they achieved the shareholders objectives. I am very grateful for the dedication they delivered, and their toughness to ensure the successful conclusion of the deal.”
Andrés Mondragón, CEO – Mondragón Soluciones on the sale of Mondragón’s rail division to Delachaux

“We are grateful to Livingstone for the invaluable help and advice they have provided throughout the sale process.
Brian Kent, Chairman of Hallmark Industries Ltd, on the sale of subsidiary Zodion to W Lucy Limited

“Livingstone understood our absolute intention not to sell-out on our people or values and they literally travelled the globe to deliver that for us.”
Doug Currie, CEO – Genesis Forwarding Group Ltd on the sale to Toll Group

“In MML Capital, Livingstone found us a financial partner that has worked hard to understand our business and that shares management’s vision for the future, including the prospect of making strategically important acquisitions.”
Tim Mitchell, CEO at Exploration Logistics Group Plc on the capital raising exercise backed by MML Capital

“Livingstone provided excellent advice and support throughout the process. They were always on top of the issues and both creative and tireless in finding solutions. They were the ideal partner in the often lonely and stressful process of completing a management buy-in, guiding me through the process and preparing me for each stage with great skill and patience.”
Bob Adams, CEO of Chemigraphic Ltd on the BIMBO of Chemigraphic

“We enjoyed working with Livingstone Partners who guided us through the process and helped us achieve an excellent result.”
Frank Thomson, CEO – CitySync Ltd on the sale to Image Sensing Systems, Inc

“Livingstone identified the right partner at the right time and helped facilitate the deal, we are delighted to have worked with them during this process.”
Charles Cooper Driver, CEO – Careline Services Ltd on the sale of Careline to Hinduja Global Solutions Ltd

“Livingstone did a fantastic job – they were key to unlocking this deal for us and their energy, enthusiasm and knowledge of both the sector and the investor community was a significant advantage for us throughout the process.”
Tim Smith, CEO - Brandon Hire Ltd, on the buy-out of Brandon Hire from Wolseley plc

“We worked with the team at Livingstone on the sale of one of our portfolio companies. Their ability to identify the possible buyer set and efficiently manage the sale process was most impressive. We were delighted with the end result.”
Andrew Ferguson, Managing Director, Baird Capital Partners Europe Limited

Livingstone Partners’ unrivalled knowledge of the food sector was extremely important to getting this deal away.”
Bob Henry, Matrix Private Equity, on the sale of Pasta King (UK) Ltd

“I worked closely with Livingstone through to completion and they were always very communicative and flexible in providing the required support and advise that is so crucial, especially when I had to run the business during the sale process.”
Bill Moran, Managing Director – TSC Foods on the sale to a buy-out, management buy-in team, backed by Key Capital Partners and Yorkshire Bank

“Livingstone really knows due diligence and the complexities of M&A. We had never done this before, so we owe it to Livingstone, who helped steer us through the immense complexities of the deal to find the right partner.”
Leo Johnson, Director – Sustainable Finance Limited on the sale to PricewaterhouseCoopers

“We have known the team at Livingstone for a long time, rate their market knowledge highly and had no hesitation in turning to them when we decided to market the business for sale.”
Bill Burey, Managing Director – PDV on the sale to DM plc

“Livingstone provided tremendous support throughout the sale process and managed it in such a way that I felt close to the detail despite being based in Bangkok.”
Sandy McKinnon, Chairman - McKinnon & Clarke on the sale of the company to Lyceum Capital

“In what some commentators were saying was a slow market, Livingstone attracted a high number of very interested investors, were very proactive in creating and shaping the structure of the deal and successfully got all stakeholders over the line using their specialist market knowledge and transactional expertise. We were very impressed with their commitment and professionalism. They showed empathy when it was needed and humour when it was appropriate.”
Richard Downs, CEO – Iglu.com on refinancing of Iglu.com

“The team at Livingstone provided us with real value add throughout and their advice and guidance was absolutely first rate, as was their commitment to delivering the right deal for us.”
Kevin Brown, CEO – Digital Window on the sale of a majority stake to a joint venture between Axel Springer and PubliGroupe

“Livingstone were invaluable in coming up with creative solutions to make sure the deal worked for all parties.”
Geraldine Howard, Founder – Aromatherapy Associates on the sale of the company to Skin City Ltd

“Livingstone was best placed to help us because of its expertise in marketing services.”
Jason Batten, Chief Operating Officer – AI Data Intelligence on the sale to Communisis

“In terms of transactional efficiency Livingstone was very good, the advice they gave to me was excellent. They were very responsive and practical.”
Jim Dale, Chairman – Tristar on the MBO of Tristar backed by Octopus Asset Management

“I am very happy with Livingstone’s deal savvy and their ability to stay on top of the deal. We would definitely consider using Livingstone again on future transactions.”

Tom Armstrong, CEO – AmeriCast Technologies on the sale of Prospect Foundry, a subsidiary of AmeriCast Technologies

"Robi (Mitra) was very dedicated and kept in good contact with the counterparties. He made himself available to me. If he wasn’t there at that instant, he’d call back very quickly."
Massimo Moroni, CEO – Manuli Stretch s.p.a. on the acquisition of Quintec Film Corporation

“Livingstone did a great deal to facilitate this transaction. Their knowledge and advice proved invaluable, and their sensible approach ensured a relatively painless experience for management. It secured the best possible terms, working closely with our advisers on the sell side as well as Darwin Private Equity.”
Iain John, Financial Director – Maximuscle on the secondary MBO of Maximuscle backed by Darwin Private Equity

"There were many days when it seemed highly unlikely that the deal would close and, were it not for Livingstone, it probably wouldn't have. The Livingstone team worked tirelessly to ensure a successful conclusion."
FW Pearce, Chief Strategy Officer - Ciao Bella on the capital raising backed by Encore Consumer Capital and Sherbrooke Capital Partners

I had no idea how much work was involved and I can't imagine doing it without the support I received from Livingstone."
Leandro Martin, CEO - Marca S.L. on the sale of the company to Bunzl plc

"I'd give Livingstone 11 out of 10, they acheived a deal that was in the best interests of the business."
Ian Lyall, Managing Director - EIC on the BIMBO of EIC backed by MML Capital Partners

“As we have found in the past when completing deals with the Livingstone team, they took a very proactive approach, providing a critical link in the process and helping to facilitate the deal. Given this very positive experience and the successful relationship we have developed, I am looking forward to working with them on a number of further deals in the future.”

Graham Miller, Director - 3i on the exit of Medico-Legal Reporting

“Livingstone gave us direct and positive advice from the outset and then delivered pro-actively on all areas of the deal.”
Greg Wills, CEO - TravelJigsaw on the buy-out, raising funding from ISIS Equity Partners

“We appointed Livingstone almost two years before our deal was completed. The scale and quality of research undertaken by the team was outstanding. We also liked and respected the people we were working with and received excellent advice and commentary from them throughout the process. In terms of quality and clarity, their advice, insight and support added value at every stage. All in all, I found the Livingstone experience to be excellent”.
Rob Allen, CEO - TRO on the sale of TRO to CPM, part of the Omnicom Group

“I was impressed how quickly the Livingstone team understood the unique features of the industry, and how valuable this detailed understanding became as the deal progressed. They were totally dedicated, patient, and tenacious, always working to add value and make sure it was the right deal for the business.”
Adrian Nolan, Founder of Blues Clothing, on the MBO of Blues Clothing backed by Penta Capital

“Livingstone’s contribution to the deal has in my view been outstanding, from start to finish. I have been particularly impressed by the tenacity and constant input and project management since Heads were signed, a point where many corporate finance advisers see their job as done. In addition, Livingstone have been an excellent sounding board throughout. I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again, and would gladly recommend their services.”
Steve Sharratt, Murex Investments

“Livingstone provided the highest level of support and value imaginable in such a complex cross-border deal. We are extremely pleased with the result.”
Howard Morgan, Managing Partner at Castle Harlan Inc, on the acquistion of Polypipe.

“When we met with Livingstone, we discussed what we would like to happen. They gave us their views, which were pretty similar and it pretty much happened.”
John Phillips, Chairman at Traffic Support Ltd, on the sale of TSL to Mouchel Parkman plc

“The Livingstone team were extremely professional in the handling of the project and in enabling us to close this deal with Gravity.”
Jeremy Sharp, Head of Business Development at ITV plc, on the sale of 021 to Gravity Media Group

“I have to praise the quality of the service from Livingstone and the tenacity of the people involved. Without them I don’t think I would have sold the business at all and certainly not in the manner I wanted – they were determined to make the sale happen for me. They provided a clear understanding of the process and guided me on a step-by-step basis from our first meeting to the day of completion. They were always there when I needed them and we developed a great relationship over the time we were working together.”
Melvyn Sanders, on the sale of M.G. Sanders to Rubicon Partners Industries

“Livingstone provided superb service throughout the whole sales process, they were the keenest to get our business and help us find a new home. They also had the experience within the Marketing Services sector, so knew what sort of company we should be attractive to. Even before we appointed them they came up with a credible list of potential purchasers, which proved they knew what they were talking about.”
Nick Sparrow, MD at ICM Research Ltd, on the sale of ICM to Creston plc

“I decided that if ever the right opportunity presented itself, I would want to work with Livingstone. When we decided to dispose of Thermalite, they were my first choice.”
Ken Sharp, Group FD at Etex, on the sale of Thermalite to Hanson plc

“Livingstone handled the transaction very well and I am grateful for the advice and support that they gave senior management during the process.”
Grant Newton, Finance Director at Dataforce, on the sale of Dataforce Holdings to Twenty plc

“Livingstone took a very proactive approach to communications and liaising between Bank of Scotland and our management team and that provided a critical link in the process, they acted as a hub for all the information. They made it easy for us to lift the phone and get updates. They were also very good at keeping the wheels greased. Given this very positive experience and the successful relationship we have developed we are engaging with them on a number of exciting initiatives.”
Robert Whiteside, CEO - Adare Group

"Although Livingstone were acting for the vendor, we really appreciated their constructive and pragmatic approach to ensuring the deal got done to the satisfaction of everyone."
Richard Daw, Director, Phoenix Equity Partners

"All credit to Livingstone for sticking with the deal. All parties are very pleased with the outcome."
James Barbour-Smith, Portfolio Director, Gresham Private Equity, on the sale of investee company LSC

"Livingstone did an excellent job in managing communication between all parties and in creating energy in the (Totectors sale) process."
Dominic Slade, Partner, Alchemy Partners

"The Livingstone team displayed confidence in being able to achieve the shareholders' objectives, managed the entire process very professionally and achieved an excellent result.."
Keith Carpenter, LDC

"This disposal was part of an ongoing programme which the Livingstone team has been managing very effectively. Any sale to management requires sensitive handling, John Clifford and the team did very well."
Geoff Zeidler, Director of Business development at Spitent plc, on the sale of Devline Electronics, one of nine disposals completed by Livingstone for Spirent

"Livingstone demonstrated that they could co-ordinate a complex project to help maximise shareholder value. It was a challenging job well done."
Graham Miller, Avon Rubber plc

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