Thomas Dutton Promoted at WestBridge Capital Amid Northern Growth
People | Jan 06, 2025 | WestBridge Capital
 smaller.jpg)
WestBridge Capital has promoted Thomas Dutton to investment director, acknowledging his significant contributions over the past year in the North of England. Dutton, who joined from Dow Schofield Watts in January 2024 as a senior investment manager, has been pivotal in the firm's regional expansion and increasing presence. His responsibilities include deal origination and providing strategic assistance to portfolio companies like APEM and Alpine Fire Engineers. Notably, he facilitated a £70m refinance for Alpine and led its acquisition of DAS Fire. WestBridge, with over 40% of its second fund deployed in Northern companies, anticipates further regional investments following the successful second close of its third fund. High hopes are pinned on the firm's ongoing efforts in regional development, bolstered by Dutton's promoted role and experienced strategic management.
Sectors
- Private Equity
- Corporate Finance
- Mergers and Acquisitions
Geography
- United Kingdom – The focus on the North of England, specifically places like Manchester, highlights the UK geography.
Industry
- Private Equity – Relevant due to WestBridge Capital's activities in investment and management of portfolio companies.
- Corporate Finance – Involves the refinance package facilitated by Thomas Dutton for Alpine Fire Engineers.
- Mergers and Acquisitions – Dutton's role in the acquisition of DAS Fire indicates significant M&A activities.
Financials
- £70m – Refinance package secured for Alpine Fire Engineers
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WestBridge Capital | Private Equity Firm | Company | A private equity firm with a growing presence in Northern England and active in deploying capital in the region. |
| Thomas Dutton | Investment Director | Person | Recently promoted to investment director at WestBridge Capital, instrumental in regional expansion. |
| Peter Barkley | Partner | Person | Partner at WestBridge, leads the Manchester office and collaborates with Dutton. |
| Guy Davies | Managing Partner | Person | Managing partner at WestBridge Capital, acknowledges Dutton's contributions to regional deals. |
| Dow Schofield Watts | Previous Employer | Company | Thomas Dutton's former employer before joining WestBridge Capital. |
| APEM | Portfolio Company | Company | One of the portfolio companies managed by Thomas Dutton at WestBridge. |
| Alpine Fire Engineers | Portfolio Company | Company | A WestBridge portfolio company that received a £70m refinance package and acquired DAS Fire. |
| DAS Fire | Acquired Company | Company | Acquired by Alpine Fire Engineers as part of their growth strategy. |