News
LDC invests in Boston Energy to support drive to net zero
7 Jul 2023
Leading private equity investor LDC has made a significant investment in Boston Energy, a technical services provider to the wind energy industry, as it targets further international expansion.
Based in Beverley, East Yorkshire, Boston Energy employs and trains specialist technicians to support the build and maintenance programmes of onshore and offshore wind farms across the globe, including in Europe, APAC and North America. Boston Energy’s client base includes the world’s biggest OEMs and Wind Farm Operators.
Boston Energy technicians support thousands of wind turbines across four continents, and the company has delivered more than 100 projects across the globe since 2012. It was recently awarded a significant new contract to support the Dogger Bank Wind Farm in the North Sea, the world’s largest offshore wind farm, which is a testament to its industry recognised credentials in offshore wind.
LDC’s investment will enable Boston Energy to take advantage of opportunities to grow in all of its core markets globally to support the transition to a clean energy economy. LDC is backing Boston Energy’s CEO Julian Cattermole in a management buyout from the wider group of Bostonair companies. Mark Parkes, who founded Bostonair Group in 1997, will remain involved in the business as a major shareholder and Non-Executive Director.
Mark Parkes, Founder of Bostonair Group, said: “It’s remarkable to reflect on how much the industry has evolved since we started the business over a decade ago. During that time, we’ve maintained our commitment to our customers and, with LDC’s support, we’ll continue to provide them with the very best tailored service. LDC’s heritage of supporting the growth of Yorkshire-based businesses combined with being part of Lloyds Banking Group – one of the UK’s most active supporters of the UK offshore wind industry – make it the ideal partner and means we’re perfectly positioned to start this new chapter.”
The wind energy industry is growing rapidly and there are more opportunities than ever for our business to expand our offering on the back of rising demand for our services. Our partnership with LDC will help us to respond to the growing demand for our services at pace and continue to invest in our expert technicians, whose exceptional service is the foundation of our customer relationships.”
The investment was led by Dan Smith, Partner and Head of Yorkshire at LDC, Investment Director James Marshall and Investment Manager Anthony West.
Dan Smith, Partner and Head of Yorkshire at LDC, added: “Boston Energy is a high-quality service provider in a sector that will play an essential role in the global transition towards net zero. The business’ success is also a great example of a homegrown company with international reach that is raising the profile of the Humber as a global renewable energy hotspot. We’re looking forward to supporting Julian, Mark and the rest of the team as they continue to drive the business forward in the years ahead.”
LDC’s commitment to embedding ESG performance across all levels of its business ranges from ensuring its own operations are net zero by 2030, to working with its portfolio company management teams to successfully transition to a low carbon economy, to helping the UK’s future business leaders through its partnership with The Prince’s Trust.
Boston Energy and the sellers were advised by KPMG, who provided Corporate Finance (led by Christian Mayo and Jordan Raiye), Legal and Tax services.
LDC was advised by Clearwater International (Corporate Finance and Debt), Grant Thornton (Financial and Tax DD), Addleshaw Goddard (Legal), and Calash (Commercial Due Diligence).
A regional HSBC team led by James Scholes is supporting the transaction with senior debt and working capital facilities.