News
LDC reinforces its commitment to the North East and Scotland with new appointment
13 Feb 2025
LDC, the leading private equity investor, has appointed Peyman Atapour as an Investment Manager as it looks to further its support of businesses in the North East and Scotland.
Peyman brings eight years’ experience in corporate finance and tax advisory. A chartered accountant and CTA qualified tax advisor, he joins LDC following seven years at KPMG. There, he supported a range of businesses in achieving successful equity events, including advising the shareholders of Hessle-based wind power specialist Boston Energy on its investment from LDC in 2023.
In his new role, he will support the now seven-strong LDC team across the North East and Scotland with originating, executing and managing portfolio investments as they build on a successful 2024.
Last year, the team completed several new investments, exits and portfolio acquisitions that had a combined enterprise value of more than £650m. This included the firm’s investment in Kick ICT, Scotland’s largest independent IT managed service provider, to support its UK expansion and completed the exit and reinvestment in national estate agency and lettings group Lomond. This followed a six-year partnership that saw Lomond make 65 acquisitions and grow from 600 to 1,900 employees nationwide, and the transaction delivered a money multiple return of 3.5x for LDC.
LDC also continued to support the growth ambitions of its regional portfolio, with Gateshead-based Aspire Technology Solutions acquiring managed service provider Cloud Cover IT, which expanded Aspire’s geographic reach into Scotland, and CloudCoCo, in a move that brought an additional £10m in revenue and approximately 300 new customers to the business.
In recognition of this level of activity, LDC’s North East and Scotland team was named Equity Funder of the Year at Insider’s inaugural UK Dealmakers Awards last week.
Gareth Marshall, Partner and Head of North East and Scotland, said: “The North East and Scotland are home to many innovative and fast-growth businesses and Peyman’s appointment reflects our commitment to furthering our investment in both regional markets.
“Looking to the year ahead, greater clarity over government policy means more businesses will now be in a better position to move forward with their growth plans, and where businesses are coming to market, we’re already seeing strong appetite for partnering with private equity.
Our team’s skill and experience, on-the-ground presence and national sector expertise means we’re perfectly positioned to provide the investment and support local management teams will be looking for.”
Outside of transactions and portfolio support, the LDC team in the North East and Scotland has also continued to support the organisations and good causes that are important to its people and its local communities.
This included raising a substantial sum during the 17th edition of LDC’s annual charity quiz, which benefitted Tiny Lives, a charity that helps premature and sick babies and their families in the North East, and cancer support specialists Maggie’s in Glasgow.