Cooper Parry Secures Majority Investment from Lee Equity Partners
Deal News | Dec 11, 2024 | Addleshaw Goddard
Addleshaw Goddard has advised Cooper Parry in securing a majority investment from Lee Equity Partners, marking a pivotal advancement for the UK accountancy firm. This development follows a period of transformative growth for Cooper Parry under the stewardship of Waterland Private Equity. Having expanded significantly in the UK market, Cooper Parry has demonstrated robust M&A activity by integrating 11 transactions over two years, which has quadrupled its turnover to £180 million. The company's strategy has centered on broadening its capabilities and enhancing its geographic footprint with tech-enabled services offered from five UK locations. Led by private equity partner Paul Medlicott and a team at Addleshaw Goddard, Cooper Parry has seen expansion facilitated by investments and legal advisory over the years. Ade Cheatham, CEO at Cooper Parry, emphasizes the importance of this investment as a game-changer, reflecting the dynamic nature of private equity interests in the professional services sector.
Sectors
- Professional Services
- Private Equity
Geography
- United Kingdom – Cooper Parry, the target company, is located in the UK, offering services across multiple key locations.
- United States – Lee Equity Partners, which invested in Cooper Parry, is based in the United States.
Industry
- Professional Services – The article discusses the accountancy and business advisory services where Cooper Parry operates, receiving significant private equity interest and investment.
- Private Equity – The article highlights the role of Lee Equity Partners' investment in Cooper Parry and Waterland Private Equity's previous support, showcasing private equity's impact on the professional services sector.
Financials
- £180 million – Cooper Parry's turnover after growth and acquisitions over the last two years.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Parry | Target Company | Company | A fast-growing UK accountancy and business advisory firm. |
| Lee Equity Partners | Buyer | Company | A US-based private equity firm making a majority investment in Cooper Parry. |
| Waterland Private Equity | Selling Company | Company | The previous capital partner of Cooper Parry, facilitating its earlier growth. |
| Addleshaw Goddard | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal advice to Cooper Parry for the investment deal with Lee Equity Partners. |
| Paul Medlicott | Legal Advisor | Person | Private Equity Partner at Addleshaw Goddard, leading the legal advisory team. |
| Ade Cheatham | CEO | Person | CEO of Cooper Parry, commenting on the significance of the investment. |