Your Ideal Growth Partner

Jasper’s Strategic Investment In Translift Group: Elevating Materials Handling Excellence

Introduction Through Expert Networks

Jasper was introduced to Translift in 2016 by a trusted associate. We concluded there was a need for the existing shareholders to realise their investment and allow the business to develop under new ownership.

Business Insight – Translift Bendi

Translift, a key player in materials handling, stood out as one of the three principal distributors of articulated forklifts in the UK & Ireland.

At the time of acquisition, the business, primarily owned by two individuals, was refocusing on new, unrelated machinery, resulting in underinvestment in its core operations – the sale of new and refurbished forklifts, service and maintenance.

Despite distinctive challenges, the business had a turnover of £14 million and was breakeven. The due diligence process involved reconstructing historic financials due to the absence of management accounts.

Investment in People, Systems & Processes

The business has received, and continues to receive, significant investment in its people, systems and processes.

People

To ensure a smooth transition of ownership, an experienced Managing Director was strategically recruited with a background in the sales and maintenance of an industrial plant.

Over the years, the MD progressed to a Chairman’s role, eventually exiting as part of a shareholder restructure in 2021 with profitability restored.

The Sales Director was subsequently promoted to Managing Director, with a Financial Director now on board to strengthen financial management.

Systems

Strategic investments were made in the rental fleet, and a small bolt-on business was acquired in 2022.

This diversified the rental fleet and expanding capacity, marking a crucial expansion for the business. Further investments installed an ERP system and renovated the premises.

Processes

The commitment to excellence extended to significant infrastructure investment. New quality, purchasing, and health & safety procedures were introduced.

Additionally, a focus on enhancing employee training and development underscored a commitment to continual improvement.

Successful Shareholder Restructure

A strategic shareholder restructure was executed in 2021, allowing some investors to exit whilst rewarding those that were critical to ongoing future success.

Presently, the business generates a turnover of £16 million with EBITDA margins approaching 25%.

Jasper’s Pioneering Venture With Paul Deehan: Revolutionising The EMS/CEMS Landscape

Unlocking Success Through Strategic Collaboration

In a testament to the power of collaboration, we were retained by Paul Deehan, leveraging a longstanding relationship, to embark on an exclusive journey focused on a robust buy & build strategy within the Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS)/Contract EMS sector.

Strategic Sector Exploration

Diving deep into the EMS/CEMS sector, we meticulously identified potential platform businesses. The culmination of this endeavour was the selection of AWS through a discreet off-market transaction.

AWS Business Insight

AWS, a CEMS business primarily owned by an individual, stood as the focal point of this transformative strategy.

Nestled in Stoke, AWS boasted a turnover of £10 million from a clientele primarily consisting of 8 customers, with a notable emphasis on defence.

Strategic Buy & Build

In the 22 months after acquiring AWS, we spearheaded a strategic series of four bolt-on acquisitions:

Jantec: a specialist in lifetime asset management with expertise in reverse engineering.

Cemgraft: a CEM business based in Newbury, broadened the group’s customer base and enhanced the product portfolio.

Electroconnect Slovakia: strategically secured contracts and introduced a low-cost manufacturing facility based in Slovakia into the group.

Instem Technologies: Staffordshire-based CEM business contributed operational efficiencies and an enriched product portfolio.

Investment in People, Systems & Processes

Jasper’s commitment always extends beyond acquisitions. Substantial investments were made in people, systems and processes.

People: key senior appointments were made, fortifying the team with an FD, Purchasing Director, and Group Business Improvement Director.

Systems: significant financial injections were directed towards a group-wide ERP, custom manufacturing software development, facility upgrades in the UK, and the consolidation of Instem operations into the AWS site.

Processes: achievements included ISO9001 & 14001 certifications, aerospace accreditation, and the implementation of a group-wide lean manufacturing process.

Exit Strategy and Remarkable Returns

The journey reached a milestone in 2009 as AWS had a £35m turnover and 3 sites across the UK and Slovakia. Both Paul Deehan and Jasper sold c.50% of their equity, with Barclays Ventures acquiring a 47% stake in . This strategic move resulted in a 47.9x money return to Jasper in a mere four-year period.