YFM Equity Partners (YFM) has backed the management buyout of Stacatruc – a forklift truck specialist with a 40-year pedigree.
Based in Thatcham, Berkshire, Stacatruc provides forklift hire, sales, maintenance and finance. Dealing in both new and used machines, the business delivers equipment and engineering support nationwide. It is Europe's largest supplier of forklifts from leading global manufacturer, Clark.
YFM's investment will help to accelerate Stacatruc's growth, as it continues to expand its geographical footprint and build upon its strong track record.
The PE firm has backed Stacatruc's incumbent joint Managing Directors to lead a secondary buyout from Merino Capital, which acquired Stacatruc in 2021.
With YFM's support, the management team will seek to capitalise upon Stacatruc's recent acquisitions in the hire and service sector, further boosting revenue and taking the business' offering to a wider market. As part of this strategic growth plan, the management team is strengthened by the appointment of Darron Cavanagh as Chair.
Darron brings a wealth of experience, having held leadership roles as CEO of VPS Group Security Services, Managing Director at Elliott UK, and Managing Director at ABird, and will play a key role in driving the business forward.
Phill McConnell, Joint Managing Director of Stacatruc, said: "YFM’s investment has unlocked the business’s full potential, driving us forward in our mission to independently support businesses in optimising the movement of materials and products. We are commitment to taking our customer service experience to new heights. This investment is not just about financial growth; it’s about enhancing the quality of our service and the satisfaction of our customers. Together with YFM, we are ready to take Stacatruc up a gear, ensuring that we remain the support our customers need when they need it, truly making us the heroes in material handling."
Matt Gordon-Smith, YFM Investment Director added: "As an investment prospect, Stacatruc demonstrated a winning combination of longevity and ambition. We are excited to be backing a management team who are highly entrepreneurial and have delivered growth by responding successfully to market conditions and live acquisition opportunities. We look forward to supporting the team as it builds upon this success."
Paul Vousden, Stacatruc Joint Managing Director said: "YFM have paved the way for the next phase of our company's journey. Their financial and strategic support will enable us to realise our ambitions faster, as we seek to provide the best, most cost effective, solutions for a growing number of customers, across a wider territory."
The YFM team included Investment Director, Matt Gordon-Smith and Investment Manager, Callum Long.
A team from Interpath, led by Neil Sumner and supported by Nick Hill, Reuben Taylor and Luke Thomson, provided lead sell-side M&A advisory to the shareholders, including Merino Capital, on the transaction.Arbuthnot Commercial ABL provided funding facilities alongside YFM’s investment to support the MBO.
