14 November 2024
Translink Corporate Finance has acted for the shareholders of Clear Line, a specialised full-service facade remediation and cladding contractor, which has been acquired for £120m by listed Swedish company Fasadgruppen Group AB as it looks to establish itself within the UK market.
Sheffield-based Clear Line was founded in 1997, and has become one of the leading providers of building envelope solutions in the UK, with revenues approaching £50m and an average EBITA of £18.4m over the last three years.
Having a single Translink team from the UK and Sweden offices was essential in navigating the nuances of a highly complex cross-border transaction. Under its new ownership Clear Line will have the platform to support its growth ambitions and aligns with Fasadgruppen’s strategy of acquiring leading entrepreneurial and specialised businesses which can strengthen the group’s position internationally.
Peter Hebb, Managing Director of Clear Line, said: “In seeking new ownership, we sought to find a committed owner who understands and has the same passion for the building envelope industry as we do, we also sought scale that matches our ambitions. In both regards, Fasadgruppen provides a perfect fit for Clear Line. With their support we can expand our offer to larger portfolios, where turnover limits might otherwise preclude such expansion, enabling us to access more projects with existing and new clients in the UK.”
Martin Jacobsson, CEO of Fasadgruppen, added: “In Clear Line, we have found a unique player with a proven business model that has built an excellent market position in its clear niche and thereby achieved an attractive financial profile. The group provides Fasadgruppen with a platform for further growth in the UK.”
A Translink team of Kevin Davies, Tim Brind, Joe Briggs and Emma Oakley in the UK, with Fredrik Ullberg in Sweden led the sale on behalf of the shareholders. Kevin Davies said: “Clear Line is a fantastic example of what UK industry has to offer, specialised skills delivered by an outstanding workforce in a niche sector. This deal provides an exciting opportunity for the whole Clear Line team to continue the growth journey of the business. It also demonstrates the abilities of the global Translink team to work across international borders, collaborating closely with colleagues to deliver outstanding outcomes for our clients.”
Fredrik Ullberg, Partner at Translink in Sweden, who led from the Swedish office said: “This transaction shows our strength to align one single cross-border team, identifying deal opportunities in an early stage, and provide smooth and successful transactions. We are excited to follow the Clear Line team together with its new owner.”
