[1]Jackson: investment will allow firm to accelerate growth
NorthEdge Capital, a private equity firm focused on the North of England, has announced an investment of £15m into Roberts Jackson, the Cheshire-based industrial disease alternative business structure.
The firm, which has grown from two to 200 people in five years, acts for claimants who have developed diseases as a result of their employer`s negligence.
Karen Jackson, CEO of Roberts Jackson, said: “This is a very exciting time for the business and we are delighted to welcome NorthEdge Capital on board as an investor.
“The introduction of alternative business structures through the Legal Services Act 2007 has created interesting opportunities for firms like ours.
“The investment from NorthEdge will allow us to accelerate the growth of the business, capitalise on new opportunities within the market and hopefully provide many more clients with the very best advice.
“Ultimately as lawyers we are here to serve our clients to the best of our ability and this investment will enable us to build upon our existing platform within the legal services sector.”
Grant Berry, managing partner at NorthEdge Capital, director Jon Pickering, and investment manager Phil Frame led the deal. Mr Berry and Mr Pickering join the board as non-executive directors while Mr Frame joins as an observer.
Mr Pickering commented: “Roberts Jackson is a hugely successful business and we look forward to working alongside Karen, Oliver and the management team as the business continues to grow and develop.
“We are in no doubt that the coming months will see Roberts Jackson further increase its market share and continue to deliver unmatched specialist expertise.”
The deal is the seventh transaction completed by NorthEdge Capital from its maiden fund, which closed at £225million in March 2013, and represents over £100million of investment into the Northern business community during the last 18 months.
The private equity firm focuses exclusively on Northern-based companies seeking equity investments to support MBOs, development capital and equity release.
It targets the lower mid-market with investment in businesses with an enterprise value of £10million to £100million, with equity investments from £5million to £45million in any one deal.