LDC, a leading private equity investor, has promoted John Clarke to Partner following his significant contribution both in the North West and nationally. John has been promoted in recognition of his pivotal contribution to the business, including leading a number of the firm’s notable investments.
Since joining in 2017, John has been involved in many of the firm’s most significant partnerships. John led LDC’s exit and reinvestment in MSQ in June 2023 after helping the business to double revenue and headcount over the course of the initial four-year partnership, as well as to acquire five complementary businesses. The investment generated a return of 3.9x for LDC.
In October 2022, he led LDC’s investment in Talos360, an award-winning provider of human capital management solutions and one of the UK’s fastest growing HR technology providers. John also played a key role in LDC’s investment in SRL Traffic Systems, which the firm exited in December 2021 after supporting the business in growing revenue by 72% in three years, generating a 5.7x return.
John has been instrumental in driving some of LDC’s strategic priorities, including greater leverage of the business’s sector expertise, increasing cross-office collaboration and supporting training and development. He is also committed to giving back to the North West community and is involved in LDC’s efforts to support local children’s charity Wood Street Mission and in LDC’s partnership with the Prince’s Trust.
LDC has also appointed Endrit Gashi as Investment Manager in the North West. Endrit joins LDC from Livingbridge, bringing more than four years of experience to the firm. In his new role, he will be responsible for supporting LDC’s existing portfolio businesses and identifying local business leaders seeking the backing of an investment partner to help realise their growth plans.