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Smith Cooper Corporate Finance advises on its fourth communications transaction in 6 months via a buy-out from Panasonic Corporation of ADComms by Mutares SE & Co. KGaA

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7th July 2021 2 min read
Frankfurt-listed private equity investor Mutares has acquired ADComms, a leading provider of critical communications and security systems. 

Headquartered in Scunthorpe, UK, ADComms delivers innovative technology solutions and services to owners and operators of mission critical infrastructure. A quality, safety and environmentally focused business, ADComms provides critical communication and security solutions to the UK rail sector.

Mutares, which has revenues in excess of €1.6 billion, focuses on acquiring small-to-medium-sized companies undergoing change. Using its in-house operational consultants, Mutares works alongside acquired businesses to develop comprehensive improvement plans in order to achieve stable and profitable growth.

The acquisition of ADComms is highly complementary to Gemini Rail Group (“Gemini”), which has been part of the Mutares portfolio since 2018 and strengthens the firm’s commitment to the UK rail sector.

Mutares appointed the Smith Cooper Corporate Finance team (SCCF), led by Darren Hodson, to facilitate and manage the acquisition.

In light of the transaction, Alex Silk of Mutares comments: “ADComms is an established and well-regarded operator with a strong presence in UK rail. We look forward to enhancing the business’ long-term value by implementing a customised strategy to help grow its position in the UK market and to increase its profitability.”

He continues “I would like to pay testament to the communications expertise Darren and his team provided. Darren’s strong sector knowledge proved invaluable throughout the transaction.”

Darren adds:

“ADComms has a highly experienced management team with a proven track record in the critical communications sector. Combined with Mutares’ ability to drive operational improvement, I’ve no doubt the partnership will lead to significant growth for both companies, and I wish them the very best.”

Legal advice was provided by Daniel Shilvock at Shoosmiths.