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.
Charles Cain, Chairman - CM Skye, on the sale of a majority interest in the business to LJ Group
Chris Hughes, CEO - Brands Events, on the sale of Taste Festivals Ltd to IMG Arts and Entertainment
Philip Bowcock, CFO - Cineworld Group Plc, on the acquisition of City Screen
Oliver Shapleski, Head of Legal and Business Affairs - Arts Alliance, on the sale of City Screen Ltd to Cineworld Group Plc
Christopher Kemball, departing Chairman - MineTech International on the sale of the business to Dynasafe Area Clearance Group
Nick Harding, CEO - Marwyn Gaming on the sale of the business to Merkur Casino UK Ltd
Tomas Wängberg, Senior Vice President of Business Development - Gunnebo AB on the acquisition of Hamilton Safe Companies
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
Edward Cook, CEO - AVM on the secondary management buy-out of AVM, backed by Alcuin Caiptal Partners and Indigo Capital
Dave Moorcroft, Managing Director - Excelsior Technologies, on the buy-out from its US Owner, backed by Growth Capital Partners
Richard Downs, CEO – Iglu.com on on the sale of the business to its management team, backed by Growth Capital Partners
Mitch Cybulski, Chairman, The Leisure Pass Group, on the sale of the business to its management team, backed by private equity house Primary Capital
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
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
Trevor Putrah, President, KGP on the acquisition of certain assets of TE Connectivity Ltd
Mark Fortin, CEO, Double E on the sale of the business to Incline Equity Partners
Doug McAninch, President, McAninch Corporation on the refinancing of the company backed by The PrivateBank and Trust Company
Danny Kelly, CEO, NET Aviation on the growth recapitalisation of the company backed by Waveland Investments
Kevin Wheelhouse, Managing Director, Applied Kilovolts on the sale of the business to ITT Exelis
The Founder and CEO of Oro Direct, on the sale of a majority shareholding of the company to JZ International
Paul Morris, Director, ISIS, on the sale of TVC to The Economist Group.
Jeffrey Siegel, Chairman, Lifetime Brands Inc. on the acquisition of Creative Tops Ltd.
Ken Dean, Deputy Provost, University of Missouri on the sale of RADIL to IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
Christa Janssen, Managing Director, GOFA on the sale of the business to Chart Industries Inc.
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
Bob Henry, Matrix Private Equity, on the sale of Pasta King (UK) Ltd
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
Leo Johnson, Director – Sustainable Finance Limited on the sale to PricewaterhouseCoopers
Bill Burey, Managing Director – PDV on the sale to DM plc
Sandy McKinnon, Chairman - McKinnon & Clarke on the sale of the company to Lyceum Capital
Richard Downs, CEO – Iglu.com on refinancing of Iglu.com
Kevin Brown, CEO – Digital Window on the sale of a majority stake to a joint venture between Axel Springer and PubliGroupe
Geraldine Howard, Founder – Aromatherapy Associates on the sale of the company to Skin City Ltd
Jason Batten, Chief Operating Officer – AI Data Intelligence on the sale to Communisis
Jim Dale, Chairman – Tristar on the MBO of Tristar backed by Octopus Asset Management
Tom Armstrong, CEO – AmeriCast Technologies on the sale of Prospect Foundry, a subsidiary of AmeriCast Technologies
Massimo Moroni, CEO – Manuli Stretch s.p.a. on the acquisition of Quintec Film Corporation
Iain John, Financial Director – Maximuscle on the secondary MBO of Maximuscle backed by Darwin Private Equity
FW Pearce, Chief Strategy Officer - Ciao Bella on the capital raising backed by Encore Consumer Capital and Sherbrooke Capital Partners
Leandro Martin, CEO - Marca S.L. on the sale of the company to Bunzl plc
Ian Lyall, Managing Director - EIC on the BIMBO of EIC backed by MML Capital Partners
Graham Miller, Director - 3i on the exit of Medico-Legal Reporting
Greg Wills, CEO - TravelJigsaw on the buy-out, raising funding from ISIS Equity Partners
Rob Allen, CEO - TRO on the sale of TRO to CPM, part of the Omnicom Group
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
Howard Morgan, Managing Partner at Castle Harlan Inc, on the acquistion of Polypipe.
John Phillips, Chairman at Traffic Support Ltd, on the sale of TSL to Mouchel Parkman plc
Jeremy Sharp, Head of Business Development at ITV plc, on the sale of 021 to Gravity Media Group
Melvyn Sanders, on the sale of M.G. Sanders to Rubicon Partners Industries
Nick Sparrow, MD at ICM Research Ltd, on the sale of ICM to Creston plc
Ken Sharp, Group FD at Etex, on the sale of Thermalite to Hanson plc
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
Graham Miller, Avon Rubber plc

