Graphite Capital

{{Infobox company|

| name = Graphite Capital

| type = UK LLP

| foundation = {{start date and age|1981}}

| predecessor = Foreign & Colonial Ventures Ltd.

| key_people = Markus Golser, Andy Gray

| location = London, {{postcode|W|1}}
United Kingdom

| industry = Private Equity

| products = Investments, private equity funds

| assets = £1.2 billion

| homepage = [http://www.graphitecapital.com/ www.graphitecapital.com]

| num_employees = |

}}

Graphite Capital is a private equity firm focused on mid-market leveraged buyout investments, primarily in the UK. The group manages around £1.2 billion for institutional investors, with the most recent fund raising over £500 million in 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.graphitecapital.com/news/graphite-capital-raises-over-%C2%A3500m-its-ninth-uk-mid-market-fund |title=Graphite Capital raises over £500m for its ninth UK mid-market fund |publisher=Graphie Capital |date=December 2018}} Since 1991, the firm has backed almost 100 management teams through various investments.

The firm has managed private equity funds since 1981 and in 2001 became fully independent. The firm has a single office in Air Street in London's West End. The firm's Managing Partners are Andy Gray and Markus Golser, who joined in 1992 and 1997 respectively.

History

Graphite Capital was originally part of F&C Asset Management and was known as Foreign & Colonial Ventures Ltd. The firm remained a subsidiary of F&C Asset Management until 2001, when the Graphite team completed a management buyout.[http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-75212723/fc-ventures-bought-out.html F&C Ventures bought out by management]. Money Marketing, April 26, 2001[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4489983/Management-to-buy-FandC-Ventures.html Management to buy F&C Ventures]. The Telegraph, Apr 22, 2001[http://www.ipe.com/news/f-c-ventures-becomes-graphite-capital_3764.php F&C Ventures becomes Graphite Capital]. Investments & Pensions Europe, Apr 24, 2001

The first fund to be managed by Graphite Capital was F&C Enterprise Trust, a UK listed vehicle, which it renamed Graphite Enterprise Trust when the management buyout took place in 2001. The fund became ICG Enterprise Trust when the management contract was transferred to Intermediate Capital Group in 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2015/12/24/235086/graphite-capital-sells-fund-investment-business-intermediate-capital-group|title=Graphite Capital sells fund investment business to Intermediate Capital Group|date=24 December 2015|publisher=www.privateequitywire.co.uk}}

Investments

The firm's ninth and most recent fund of £500 million raised in 2018{{Cite web |date=25 July 2018 |title=UK PE firm Graphite Capital brings in £470M for 9th fund |url=https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/trending/Cxu1x90n5LVsOxSPMlMK1Q2 |access-date=19 October 2023 |website=S&P Global |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |date=24 July 2018 |title=UK PE firm Graphite Capital brings in £470M for 9th fund |url=https://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/graphite-capital-raises-gbp470m-ninth-uk-mid-market-fund/ |access-date=10 October 2023 |website=Private Equity Wire}} has backed the following companies, including:

In October 2023, Storal, a national children's nursery group in England founded in 2016, together with OakNorth Bank{{Cite web |title=Graphite Capital backs children’s nursery group Storal |url=https://realdeals.eu.com/article/graphite-capital-backs-childrens-nursery-group-storal |access-date=2024-02-04 |website=Real Deals |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=18 October 2023 |title=OakNorth and Graphite Capital back nursery group |url=https://www.insidermedia.com/news/national/oaknorth-and-graphite-capital-back-nursery-group |access-date=4 February 2024 |website=insider Media}}
In 2023, Independence Products Limited, a supplier of prescribed infection prevention products
In October 2022, Digital Space, an information technology and cloud services provider formerly known as Timico,{{Cite web |date=2021-06-29 |title=Timico reborn as Digital Space |url=https://www.commsbusiness.co.uk/content/news/timico-reborn-as-digital-space/ |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Comms Business |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=McHugh |first=Marian |date=2021-06-29 |title=Timico Rebrands as Digital Space |url=https://www.uctoday.com/unified-communications/timico-rebrands-as-digital-space/ |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=UC Today |language=en-GB}} acquired from Horizon Capital{{Cite web |last=Lindholm |first=Nina |date=2022-10-10 |title=Graphite Capital snaps up Digital Space from Horizon Capital |url=https://www.pehubeurope.com/graphite-capital-snaps-up-digital-space-from-horizon-capital/ |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=PE Hub Europe |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=2022-10-06 |title=Newark firm changes private equity owners {{!}} TheBusinessDesk.com |url=https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/eastmidlands/news/2064004-newark-firm-changes-private-equity-owners |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=East Midlands |language=en}}
In November 2021, Opus Talent Solutions – a Redcliffe based international company specializing in recruitment for the technology and renewable energy markets{{Cite web |last=Baker |first=Hannah |date=2021-11-18 |title=Bristol-headquartered recruitment company acquired in major deal |url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/bristol-recruitment-company-opus-talent-22189444 |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=Business Live |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Graphite Capital acquires Opus Talent Solutions in MBO {{!}} Recruiter |url=https://www.recruiter.co.uk/news/2021/11/graphite-capital-acquires-opus-talent-solutions-mbo |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=www.recruiter.co.uk}}
In July 2021, Wonderbly - a personalised children's book specialist formerly known as Lost My Name{{Cite web |title=Printweek - Wonderbly plans further expansion under new owner |url=https://www.printweek.com/content/news/wonderbly-plans-further-expansion-under-new-owner/ |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=Printweek |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2021-07-27 |title=Graphite Capital buys fast-growing personalised children's book business Wonderbly {{!}} AltAssets Private Equity News |url=https://www.altassets.net/private-equity-news/by-news-type/deal-news/graphite-capital-buys-fast-growing-personalised-childrens-book-business-wonderbly.html |access-date=2023-10-22 |language=en-US}}
In November 2020, London-based Babble, a specialist communications technology provider to medium-sized companies, acquired from Lloyds TSB Development Capital{{Cite web |first= |date= |title=Graphite Capital Acquires Babble {{!}} Mergr M&A Deal Summary |url=https://mergr.com/graphite-capital-acquires-babble-cloud |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=mergr.com}}{{Cite web |date=10 November 2020 |title=Graphite Capital acquires Babble in GBP90m transaction |url=https://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/graphite-capital-acquires-babble-gbp90m-transaction/ |access-date=5 February 2024 |website=Private Equity Wire}}
In October 2020, Ten10, an independent quality engineering and software testing consultancy based in London, acquired from Livingbridge{{Cite web |last=LCAP |title=Graphite Capital acquires Ten10 from Livingbridge |url=https://www.draxexecutive.com/article/graphite-acquires-ten10 |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=Drax Executive |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=21 October 2020 |title=Livingbridge sells Ten10 to Graphite Capital |url=https://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/livingbridge-sells-ten10-graphite-capital/ |access-date=5 February 2024 |website=Private Equity Wire}}
In August 2019, Horizon Care and Education, a provider of specialist care for children and adolescents, based in Cannock, England{{Cite web |title=Graphite Capital Acquires Horizon Care {{!}} Mergr M&A Deal Summary |url=https://mergr.com/graphite-capital-acquires-horizon-care-and-education-group |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=mergr.com}}{{Cite web |title=Notable recent UK deals |url=https://www.clearwaterinternational.com/uk/publications/clearview-childrens-services-market/clearview-private-equity-activity |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=Private equity activity |language=en-GB}}
in May 2019, NRS Healthcare, a provider of mobility and disability aids and services{{Cite web |title=NRS Healthcare, Acquired by Graphite Capital on May 5th, 2019 {{!}} Mergr |url=https://mergr.com/nottingham-rehab-acquired-by-graphite-capital |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=mergr.com}}

The firm's eighth fund, which was raised in 2013 and invested until 2018, has backed the following companies including:

City & County Healthcare - a provider of home care services in the UK{{cite web|url=http://www.healthinvestor.co.uk/ShowArticle.aspx?ID=3084|title=HealthInvestor - Article: Graphite Capital backs City & County MBO|website=www.healthinvestor.co.uk}}
ICR Group - a provider of repair and maintenance services to the energy sector{{cite web|url=http://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2014/03/14/198661/graphite-capital-backs-icr-mbo|title=Graphite Capital backs ICR MBO|date=14 March 2014|publisher=www.privateequitywire.co.uk}}
nGAGE Specialist Recruitment (formerly Human Capital Investment Group) - a recruitment business serving a range of niche areas within the public and private sectors{{cite web|url=http://realdeals.eu.com/article/47569-graphite-backs-mbo-of-hcig|title=Graphite backs MBO of HCIG - Real Deals|first=Kane|last=Mumford|date=26 November 2014|publisher=realdeals.eu.com}}
Trenchard Aviation - a civil aircraft maintenance business focusing on cabin services{{cite web|url=https://realdeals.eu.com/article/49862|title=Graphite backs Aero Technics - Real Deals|first=Hannah|last=Langworth|date=4 December 2015|publisher=realdeals.eu.com}}
New World Trading Company - a pub restaurant group{{cite web|url=http://www.bighospitality.co.uk/Business/Living-Ventures-New-World-Trading-Company-sold-to-Graphite-Capital|title=Living Ventures' New World Trading Company sold to Graphite Capital|publisher=www.bighospitality.co.uk}}
Beck & Pollitzer - an industrial machinery installation and relocation specialist{{cite web|url=http://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2016/09/20/243799/graphite-capital-acquires-industrial-installation-specialist-beck-pollitzer|title=Graphite Capital acquires industrial installation specialist Beck & Pollitzer|date=20 September 2016|publisher=www.privateequitywire.co.uk}}

Graphite's seventh fund, which was raised in 2007{{cite web|url=https://www.altassets.net/private-equity-news/graphite-closes-seventh-uk-mid-market-fund-on.html|title=Graphite closes seventh UK mid-market fund on £475m - AltAssets Private Equity News|website=www.altassets.net|date=30 November 2001}} and invested until 2013, backed companies including:

U-POL - a manufacturer and distributor of automotive refinishing products
Kurt Geiger - the luxury shoe retailer and wholesaler
Education Personnel - a provider of supply teachers and teaching assistants to state schools in the UK{{cite web|url=http://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2014/05/12/201924/graphite-capital-sells-supply-teaching-specialist-education-personnel-icg|title=Graphite Capital sells supply teaching specialist Education Personnel to ICG|date=12 May 2014|publisher=www.privateequitywire.co.uk}}
Alexander Mann Solutions - a provider of recruitment process outsourcing{{cite web|url=http://www.recruitment-international.co.uk/news/graphite-capital-sells-alexander-mann-solutions-for-260m-20600.htm|title=Graphite Capital sells Alexander Mann Solutions for 260m - Recruitment International|publisher=www.recruitment-international.co.uk}}
National Fostering Agency - an independent children's fostering agency
London Square - a house builder focused on prime sites within the M25{{cite web|url=http://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2014/07/04/206130/graphite-sells-london-square-ares-management-gbp100m|title=Graphite sells London Square to Ares Management for GBP100m|date=4 July 2014|publisher=www.privateequitywire.co.uk}}
Willowbrook Healthcare - a developer and operator or premium elderly care homes{{cite web|url=http://www.healthinvestor.co.uk/ShowArticle.aspx?ID=2904|title=HealthInvestor - Article: Health Care REIT backs MBO of Willowbrook Healthcare|website=www.healthinvestor.co.uk}}

The seventh fund's current portfolio also includes:

Explore Learning - a provider of after school tuition for children aged between 5 and 14{{cite web|url=http://www.growthbusiness.co.uk/news-and-market-deals/mergers-and-acquisitions/2117663/back-to-school-for-graphite-as-it-backs-explore-learning.thtml|title=Back to school for Graphite as it backs Explore Learning|date=23 August 2012|publisher=www.growthbusiness.co.uk}}
Hawksmoor - the operator of premium steak restaurants{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/aug/26/hawksmoor-restaurant-chain-private-equity-sale|title=High steaks: Hawksmoor restaurant chain in private equity sale|first=Jennifer|last=Rankin|date=26 August 2013|work=the Guardian}}

Earlier investments include Corbin & King - the operator of signature restaurants in London,{{Cite web|url=https://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2017/12/18/259477/graphite-exits-corbin-king-investment|title=Graphite exits Corbin & King investment|date=18 December 2017|website=Private Equity Wire}} the Groucho Club which was sold in July 2015,{{cite news|last1=Cotterill|first1=Joseph|title=Groucho Club sold by private equity firm|url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/932c35ea-15d3-11e5-a58d-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3kfCJiAuj|access-date=3 September 2015|work=Financial Times|date=18 June 2015}}

Dominion Oil & Gas,{{cite web|url=http://www.growthbusiness.co.uk/news-and-market-deals/mergers-and-acquisitions/2368468/dominion-gas-sale-sees-graphite-capital-hit-four-exits-in-12-months.thtml|title=Dominion Gas sale sees Graphite Capital hit four exits in 12 months|date=30 May 2013|publisher=www.growthbusiness.co.uk}} NES Group,{{cite web|url=http://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2012/10/05/174289/graphite-capital-sells-nes-global-talent|title=Graphite Capital sells NES Global Talent|date=5 October 2012|publisher=}} Wagamama{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4104614.stm|title=Wagamama gobbled up in £102m deal|date=17 June 2005|publisher=BBC}} and Park Holidays.{{cite web|url=https://www.pehub.com/2013/11/graphite-capital-sells-park-holidays-uk/|title=Graphite Capital sells Park Holidays UK - PE Hub|date=12 November 2013|publisher=www.pehub.com}}

Divestments

In August 2022, Graphite sold YSC Consulting, a provider of leadership consulting and management assessment, acquired from Livingbridge in 2017,{{Cite web |date=30 October 2017 |title=Graphite backs GBP72m MBO of leadership consultancy YSC |url=https://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2017/10/30/257730/graphite-backs-gbp72m-mbo-leadership-consultancy-ysc |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=Private Equity Wire}} to Accenture.{{Cite web |last=Cook |first=James |date=2022-08-15 |title=Graphite sells YSC Consulting to global professional services firm Accenture - Business Leader News |url=https://www.businessleader.co.uk/graphite-sells-ysc-consulting-to-global-professional-services-firm-accenture/ |access-date=2023-11-12 |website=Business Leader}}{{Cite web |title=Macfarlanes advises Graphite Capital on sale of YSC Consulting - Macfarlanes |url=https://www.macfarlanes.com/press-releases/2022/macfarlanes-advises-graphite-capital-on-sale-of-ysc-consulting/ |access-date=2023-11-12 |website=www.macfarlanes.com |language=en-us}} In June 2022, the firm sold Random42, a producer of digital medical animation,{{Cite web |date=21 July 2017 |title=Graphite acquires medical animation producer Random42 from Vespa Capital |url=https://www.pehub.com/2017/07/3463897/# |website=PE Hub}} to The Lockwood Group, a US medical communications company.{{Cite web |date=6 June 2022 |title=Graphite Capital sells Random42 to The Lockwood Group |url=https://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/graphite-capital-sells-random42-lockwood-group/ |access-date=16 November 2023 |website=Private Equity Wire}} In July 2021, the firm sold U-POL, a manufacturer and distributor of fillers, coatings and aerosols,{{cite web |last=Ltd |first=Insider Media |title=Graphite Capital backs £130m U-POL buy-out |url=http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/38672-graphite-capital-backs-130m-u-pol-buy-out/ |publisher=www.insidermedia.com}} to US firm Axalta Coating Systems.{{Cite web |last=Latham |first=Mark |title=Graphite Capital sells U-Pol for £428m |url=https://www.penews.com/articles/graphite-capital-sells-u-pol-for-428m-20210708 |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=www.penews.com |language=en-GB}}

References

External links

[http://www.graphitecapital.com/ Graphite Capital] (company website)

Category:Private equity firms of the United Kingdom

Category:Financial services companies based in London

Category:Financial services companies established in 1981