News
LDC scoops three trophies at the Thames Valley Deals Awards 2024
8 Nov 2024
LDC’s South team took home three awards at The Business Magazine’s Thames Valley Deals Awards last night, including the highly coveted Lifetime Achievement Award for LDC Origination Director Jonathan Caswell and Private Equity Firm of the Year.
The awards, which were held at Reading’s Select Car Leasing Stadium, recognise the region’s dealmaking community and bring together investors, advisors and management teams to celebrate the past 12 months.
LDC Origination Director Jonathan Caswell took home the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his instrumental role in the Thames Valley’s dealmaking community and his impact on the regional business landscape. Since joining LDC in 2001, Jonathan has originated more than 30 investments across the Thames Valley and South of England. This includes LDC’s partnerships with DSP, Lucid Group, Paladone and Aquavista – all of which have benefitted from the strategic and financial support of LDC.
The judges also named LDC Private Equity Firm of the Year following its ‘strong investment year’ and its commitment to the region, having increased the size of its team in Reading to continue backing local businesses. Key transactions during the qualifying period included investments in travel software developer 15below, managed service provider DSP and leading outsourced communications solutions provider Message Direct. LDC was also commended for supporting the buy-and-build growth journeys of portfolio companies such as Onecom and RDi.
Finally, LDC took home Mid-Range Deal of the Year (£10m to £50m) for its investment in Message Direct. The transaction is supporting the management team’s organic and acquisitive growth strategy, which is focused on expanding in core markets and developing its market leading services.
Jonathan Caswell, Origination Director at LDC and winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, said: “I’m delighted with this recognition, but I’m only a small part of a fantastic team that’s doing great things and long may it continue. I succeed as a consequence of working in a brilliant region with lots of great advisors and plenty of activity. If anything, I think we are all as hungry for transactions today as we ever were. LDC has a strong team that helps businesses to grow. Another important aspect for me is mentoring our team to help people come through the ranks and share the firm’s ambition.”
We outperformed the markets in what was a tough environment. We did well due to the types of investment we do and the brilliant entrepreneurs and businesses in the region. We had to work a lot harder this year and with more conviction in what we were doing. That meant getting a better understanding by going ‘under the covers’ of businesses."
Aylesh continued: “Looking forward, we see more of the same: we have capital deploy and there are plenty of excellent businesses out there.”
LDC extends its congratulations to all of the companies and individuals that won awards or were shortlisted at The Thames Valley Deals Awards 2024. You can view the full list of winners here.
