LDC named Equity Funder of the Year at UK Dealmakers

LDC took home multiple awards at Insider’s inaugural UK Dealmakers Awards, landing Equity Funder of the Year in recognition of a stellar year for its North East & Scotland team and Deal of the Year (Large) for the team’s exit of iamproperty. The South West & Wales team was also highly commended for its exit of Cakesmiths.

The awards, which recognise the organisations and individuals who power the UK’s dealmaking landscape, were held at The ICC in Birmingham.

On naming LDC’s North East & Scotland team Equity Funder of the Year, the judges said: “LDC’s team secures the national prize for its involvement in important deals such as the exit of iamproperty and investment in Kick ICT. LDC had a really good mix of new investments and successful exits, and had supported some strong businesses through its excellent connections with the local advisory community.”

LDC’s team in the North East & Scotland completed 12 transactions during the qualifying period, including its successful exit of iamproperty, investment in Kick ICT and supporting portfolio companies Aspire and Lomond to make a series of strategic acquisitions.

LDC’s exit of iamproperty to Perwyn was also named Deal of the Year (Large). LDC completed a minority investment in iamproperty in 2019 backing entrepreneurs Ben Ridgway and Jamie Cooke. During the partnership, iamproperty recorded transformational growth and when LDC exited in October 2023, the transaction marked a 278% increase in the enterprise value of the business. The transaction generated a 3.7x money multiple return for LDC.

The judges were impressed by the company’s transition and growth during its partnership with LDC and said it is “innovating in an exciting and fast-paced market”. It was also recognised as a significant deal for the region.

In the same category, the exit of Cakesmiths by LDC’s South West & Wales team secured Highly Commended. LDC made a significant investment in Cakesmiths in March 2022 to back the management team’s ambitious growth strategy. With LDC’s support, the business increased revenue by 164% and EBITDA by 260% over a two-year period. The transaction generated a 3x money multiple return and IRR of 81% for LDC.

Also honoured at the awards was iamproperty’s management team, who took home Management Team of the Year (Large Deal). The judges recognised how “the group’s ambitious transformation agenda will form a digitally-enabled ecosystem for estate agents” and called its exciting business model a “market differentiator.”

LDC extends its congratulations to all of the companies and individuals that won awards or were shortlisted at Insider’s inaugural UK Dealmakers Awards. You can view the full list of winners here.