Three LDC-backed firms make Sunday Times International Track 200

LDC-backed businesses Plimsoll Productions, Specialist People Services and A-Gas were included in this year’s Sunday Times International Track 200, which recognises Britain’s mid-market private companies with the fastest-growing overseas sales.

TV production company Plimsoll Productions placed 30th after recording £32.1m in overseas sales in 2019, an increase of over 95% on the previous year. LDC backed Founder Grant Mansfield and his management team in an £80m deal in August last year. With LDC’s support and minority investment, Grant and his team are driving the business forward, investing in its natural history and documentary divisions and pursuing further expansion into the US and new global markets. The production house just launched ‘Night on Earth’ on Netflix, giving audiences an unprecedented insight into wildlife activities at night.

HR services provider Specialist People Services also grew its international sales by over 49% on its previous year and placed 95^th in the list. The firm, which focuses on the road and rail transportation sectors, services clients in the UK and Australia. The firm has been working in partnership with LDC since June 2011 to support its ongoing expansion into new international markets.

A-Gas, a leading gas and chemicals business which operates across four continents, grew sales by over 40% and ranked 139^th in the list. LDC first invested in the firm back in 2011. Across the five years up to 2016, the company grew revenues by 79% and profits by 103% ahead of sale to KKR in 2017. As part of the deal LDC reinvested £23m to support its on-going international development strategy.

The recognition of LDC-backed firms in the International Track 200 demonstrates how companies backed with LDC’s capital and expertise can accelerate growth overseas. Another good example of this is healthcare communications business Fishawack. Since partnering with LDC in 2017, the firm has completed five key acquisitions as part of its international buy and build strategy to quickly establish itself as a world-leading business in its field. The latest acquisition was for US-based 2e Creative, which was welcomed to the group in August 2019.

In addition to LDC-backed businesses, Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders from 2018’s programme also featured, including Gama Healthcare and Moneypenny which placed 80^th and 144^th, further evidence of both firms’ ambition to grow internationally.

You can find out more information on the Sunday Times International Track 200 and read the full list here.