Hart Shaw and hlw Keeble Hawson act in Cooper Brown MBI of Chesterfield businesses

11th August 2017

Sheffield advisors Hart Shaw and hlw Keeble Hawson have represented the shareholders in a Management Buy-In of Chesterfield businesses NiTEC UK and Spire Laboratories Ltd led by Cooper Brown Enterprises.

Marie Cooper and Chris Brown have acquired a controlling stake in plating and surface technology specialist NiTEC UK, and Spire Laboratories Ltd, a test house specialising in validation and certification for the surface treatment industry. As part of the transaction, Marcus Hill and David Brown, the founding shareholders, are staying with the businesses and retain shareholdings. The acquisition is the latest in a series of investments for Cooper Brown after the duo exited Sheffield's President Engineering Group to acquire and apply their extensive expertise to boost the growth of engineering companies. Marie Cooper said, -The opportunity to acquire the NiTEC business was just what we were looking for, myself and Chris have a skill set that will compliment David and Marcus's and together our combined expertise will allow us to take the business forward to achieve its full potential. Marcus Hill said, -David and I are extremely excited to work with Marie and Chris developing the business and we look forward to the future. Hart Shaw corporate finance partner, Patrick Abel, commented: -NiTEC's offering highly compliments Cooper Brown Enterprises' existing portfolio, enabling NiTEC to develop strategically in the years ahead. We wish the team every success going forward. Roger Dyson, head of hlw Keeble Hawson's corporate team, said: -David and Marcus have been instrumental in developing NiTEC's strong track record as a niche plating business at home and overseas and we are pleased to have been able to assist them with this deal with Cooper Brown Enterprises to take the company to the next level. Cooper Brown Enterprises was represented by Castle Square Corporate Finance, with legal advice from Lupton Fawcett. HSBC provided funding for the deal.