MBO of The Vella Group
HMT advised Ama on their investment to back the MBO of one of the UK’s most respected and fastest-growing automotive repair centre groups The Vella Group.
North-West headquartered Vella Group is one of the UK’s fastest growing automotive repair centre groups (ARCs) and currently operates across 18 sites in the North and Midlands (six of which have been opened in the last 18 months) and employs over 470 people.
Established in 1986 by Karl Vella MBE, The Vella Group is one of the most trusted and respected ARCs in the UK. In more recent years it has experienced strong growth and leadership under the stewardship of Managing Director, Marc Holding, via a combination of building capacity through establishing and acquiring new sites, and delivering market leading, client-focussed service to its insurance, accident management and fleet customers.
Ama’s investment sees it acquire a majority stake in the business in partnership with Keyhaven Capital Partners, a specialist private equity firm that backs best-in-class local independent sponsors in the European lower mid-market.
Ama Capital Non-Exec Partner Alistair Hardie has joined The Vella Group as Chair, bringing extensive experience from the insurance sector and private equity-backed buy and build growth.
Ama’s Finance and Operations Specialist, James Hill, has been appointed full time CFO. Additionally, Ama Functional Specialists, Dominic Miller and former Olympic gold medallist, Adrian Moorhouse, will provide expert support on M&A activity and integration and culture and organisational development, respectively.
HMT undertook financial due diligence on this transaction.
Ed Ransome, Founder of Ama Capital commented:
“We view HMT as more than a due diligence provider—they are a trusted partner. Beyond thorough analysis, they provided clear, actionable insights that directly strengthened our investment decision-making.”
Paul Read commented:
“It was a pleasure to advise Ama Capital on their first transaction. With an ambitious growth plan and Ama and Keyhaven’s backing, the Vella Group is well positioned to grow both organically and through targeted acquisitions. We look forward to working with Ama and Vella again in the future.”
Why HMT
Passionate
We are passionate about delivering an optimal outcome for our clients and helping them achieve their personal objectives. We understand entrepreneurial businesses because we are one
Our Deals
Personal
Partners are supported by high-calibre professional staff who share our core values of enthusiasm, energy, entrepreneurialism and empathy to our client’s objectives
Our Team
Proven
Our Partners have unparalleled deal experience in the mid-market and are supported by a team of dedicated deal-doers with specialist capabilities and experience
Our Awards
Connected
We have an extensive network of acquisitive corporates, institutional investors and debt providers both in the UK and internationally through our membership of our global network Cognos
Our NetworkLatest News