Maidenhead: Adviser to Rockpool on the investment in Datum Alloys

Wilson Partners Corporate Finance advised Rockpool as they supported the MBO of Datum Alloys, the leading steel stencil foil manufacturer in Europe and the USA. Wilson Partners provided financial and tax due diligence services, and deal support.

The investment sees Rockpool become the majority owner of Datum, with the current management team also investing alongside Rockpool for a minority stake. The previous owner has fully exited the business to pursue other interests.

Pete Anniss, Managing director of Datum Alloys, said: “We are excited to take Datum to the next stage as a business through driving the sale of our new products whilst continuing to provide the levels of service that our customers know and trust. Rockpool saw the potential in our business from the very beginning and their pragmatic approach throughout the process was key to completing the deal.”

Richard Morrison, investment manager, Rockpool, said: “Datum’s product is recognised as the highest quality in its market. We’re looking forward to supporting management as they use Datum’s position in the market as a foundation to invest and grow their next generation of products.”

About the Parties

Datum Alloys is based in Kingsbridge, Devon and was established in 1993. Datum provides precision stainless steel stencil foils to the electronics industry and is the leading supplier of its product in Europe and the USA. The company employs 32 people and has manufacturing facilities in Kingsbridge as well as Endicott in the USA.

Rockpool is an independent investment firm dedicated to creating direct private company investment opportunities for individuals, offering a transparent and flexible route to invest in private companies with clear visibility on where and when investors’ money is invested. Unlike traditional funds, they don’t charge investors any fees. This is Rockpool’s fifth investment in the past twelve months and brings the total invested to over £400 million since Rockpool was established in 2011.

Dan James, director at Wilson Partners said: “Datum has a highly specialised product in a niche and defensible market and this is an exciting transaction for management to take the business to the next level and increase their own capital value. Rockpool will be a great partner to support them on that journey and we wish them all the very best.”