Irwin Mitchell Advises Acquisitive Business On Latest Deal

idverde, has completed the acquisition of Northern Ireland’s leading landscaping and grounds maintenance company, Out There Services.

Headquartered in Ballyclare, Northern Ireland, Out There Services provides a range of services including landscape design, landscape installation, grounds maintenance, tree surgery and environmental management. It employs 250 people and has 70 commercial vehicles across Northern Ireland, England and Scotland.

idverde (part of the French based idverde Group) is the market leading amenity horticulture specialist in the UK and the market leader in Europe. Its heritage dates back nearly 100 years to 1919 and has an annual turnover of £120m and a headcount of 2,500 employees in the UK with group turnover of £400m and 5,000 employees. 

It has acquired Out There Services as part of ongoing strategic expansion plans aimed at bringing additional skills and new geographical coverage across the UK.

Doug Graham, idverde UK’s chief executive, said: "We are delighted to take our first step into Northern Ireland and welcome our new colleagues from Out There Services to idverde.

"We have been very impressed with the development of the business led by Steven Thompson and his team and we are excited to be able to work with our new colleagues from Northern Ireland to support and further develop our offer in Ireland.

"Steven and his team will remain a key part of the forward strategy as we continue the development of our vision to be the provider of choice for creating and maintaining landscapes."

Corporate partner Nick Dawson in the Birmingham office of law firm Irwin Mitchell, alongside solicitor Matt Smith, led the team which advised idverde UK on the transaction.

Expert Opinion

This is a significant deal for idverde UK and an important milestone for the business as it establishes itself in Northern Ireland. There is an excellent fit between the two organisations in terms of cultures and service offering and I’m confident that Out There Services will provide a strong platform for idverde UK’s future growth.” Nick Dawson - Partner