South East PE-backed mid-market businesses saw average 58.59% EBITDA growth over three years
South East headquartered private equity-backed businesses achieved average annual EBITDA* growth of 58.59% over the latest three-year-period, underlining the positive impact that private equity is having on the region’s economy, according to a new report.
The second Private Equity Value Report from Real Deals, developed in association with BDO, highlighted 51 qualifying businesses in the South East. 40 of which ranked in the top 245 private equity-backed companies across the UK, achieving EBITDA growth of 74%.
Perwyn-backed Atec group tops the list in the South East. The digital distributor and underwriter of specialist personal lines insurance products achieved standout EBITDA growth. The top 40 in the region showcased a range of sectors from information technology to consumer products and services and financial services.
In Central South, five qualifying businesses reported EBITDA growth of 50.8% with Iglu.com topping the list. Nationally, qualifying PE portfolio companies achieved an average EBITDA growth of 50.6% while average revenues grew by 21.7% over the same period.
Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO commissioned the research to understand the impact that private equity investment is having on the growth of the UK economy. The data was drawn from the most recent three years of accounts filed with Companies House.
BDO audit partner and member of private equity leadership team, James Newman, said: “The South East is home to some impressive private equity-backed businesses that are making a real impact. These companies are driving growth and have also shown remarkable resilience during recent years. Their ability to adapt and thrive through periods of change highlights their strength and potential in the market.
“Our region offers diversified sector exposure, job creation and growth that is not dependent on a single city or industry. The South East illustrates the potential of growth-led value creation to ensure the future success of individual companies and the region’s economy as a whole.”
The 40 fastest growing mid-market businesses in the South East:
1. Atec Group
2. Christopher Ward
3. Virtua UK
4. Steer Automotive
5. RiverStone Europe
6. Expana
7. Iglu.com
8. Remote Asset Management
9. Audley Travel Group
10. Glenholme Healthcare
11. LGC
12. Encore Estate Management
13. CitNOW Group
14. Explore Learning
15. Bridewell Consulting
16. Neilson Active Holidays
17. FSP
18. Eque2
19. Aurora Energy Research
20. Focus Group Trading
21. Beck & Pollitzer
22. Benefex
23. Causeway Technologies
24. Once for All
25. Cornerstone Healthcare Group
26. Medical Imaging Partnership
27. Acutest
28. Southern Communications
29. Evergreen Garden Care
30. ATCORE Technology
31. Matrix SCM
32. ByBox/Thinventory
33. Spotlight Sports Group
34. Stacatruc
35. Setfords Solicitors
36. Group GTI
37. Premium Credit
38. Pyroban
39. Kynetec
40. Nurture Landscapes Group
*EBITDA is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation.