Our Corporate Finance team advises YFM Equity Partners on the Management Buyout of Stacatruc

Our Corporate Finance team recently provided buy side advice to YFM Equity Partners (YFM), on the Management Buyout (MBO) of Stacatruc. YFM has backed Stacatruc's incumbent joint Managing Directors to lead a secondary buyout from Merino Capital, which acquired Stacatruc in 2021.

Based in Thatcham, Berkshire, Stacatruc provides forklift hire, sales, maintenance and finance. Dealing in both new and used machines, the business delivers equipment and engineering support nationwide. It is Europe's largest supplier of forklifts from leading global manufacturer, Clark.

The MBO of Stacatruc marks a significant milestone in the company’s 40 year history. This investment will accelerate Stacatruc's growth, enabling further expansion of its geographical footprint while building on its impressive track record. With YFM's support, the management team will also seek to capitalise upon Stacatruc's recent acquisitions in the hire and service sector, further boosting revenue and taking the business's offering to a wider market.

Phill McConnell, Joint Managing Director of Stacatruc, commented: “YFM’s investment has unlocked the business’s full potential, driving us forward in our mission to independently support businesses in optimising the movement of materials and products. We are committed to taking our customer service experience to new heights. This investment is not just about financial growth; it’s about enhancing the quality of our service and the satisfaction of our customers. Together with YFM, we are ready to take Stacatruc up a gear, ensuring that we retain the support our customers need when they need it, truly making us the heroes in material handling.”

Matt Gordon-Smith, Investment Director at YFM, commented: “It was a pleasure working with James Cowper Kreston on the deal. Their expert guidance and constant support were invaluable in navigating what was a complex process. We look forward to working with them again.”

Stuart Williams, who led the team at James Cowper Kreston Corporate Finance, supported by Jack Griggs and Becky Bodger commented: “It was a pleasure to collaborate with the YFM team once more. Stacatruc is a dynamic business and with its strong management team and YFM's support, it is well positioned to continue to grow whilst keeping customer service at the core of everything it does.”

Advisers on the deal included: Shoosmiths, Bishop Fleming, Fairgrove, Cadence Advisory, Lockton, Catalysis Advisory and Sheridans.