Marktlink advises on two cross-border mid-market acquisitions
Marktlink has completed two deal mandates for clients, helping Fortus acquire Netherlands-based PG Security Systems and Premier Technical Services Group purchase fellow Dutch company Flame Control.
Announced in February, Irish security company Fortus has acquired PG Security Systems. Based in Ridderkerk, PG Security Systems is a distributor of security and alarm systems with around 35 staff.
Ireland-headquartered Fortus has the ambition to become a European player, with this acquisition its first foray outside of the UK and Ireland. Fortus had previously acquired seven other companies in the past three years.
The deal sees Fortus grow its revenue to €130 million. Marktlink advised the Irish buyer during the purchase process, while PG Security Systems was supported by Dutch dealmaker Dubbeldam & Company.
Announced in March, Premier Technical Services Group has completed its first overseas acquisition, purchasing Flame Control, a firm that specialises in fire alarm systems, first aid, evacuation, extinguishing systems and extinguishing agents.
The deal was triggered by the Dutch team of Marktlink, which had been hired by Flame Control to find a buyer (or investor). After reaching out to its international network, Marktlink’s British team spotted a match with Premier Technical Services Group, one of the larger players in the segment with a focus on the construction and facilities management sectors.
Commenting on the deals, Marktlink UK managing partner Jonny Parkinson said the two deals demonstrate the growing cross-border appetite of companies in the mid-market space. “As the M&A market begins to turn a corner after the volatility of the last couple of years, we’re seeing an increasing number of companies utilising cross-border acquisitions as a way of pursuing growth outside of domestic markets.”
“The calling of the general election in Britain should add certainty to the political situation and future economic policies, and with inflation and interest rates expected to drop, the ingredients for international deals are all there. We continue to see strong appetite from the continent for UK businesses, and vice versa.”
Marktlink has around 220 dealmakers across six countries. The M&A consulting firm is headquartered in the Netherlands and is active in the UK since early 2022.