Trimountain Leads Investment into Newcastle Based ABCA Systems

The Banking & Finance team at Irwin Mitchell has advised Santander on debt financing for an investment into one of the UK’s major fire and security businesses.

Based in the North East, ABCA Systems have been providing installation and maintenance expertise on fire and security systems for over 30 years, serving government, healthcare, commercial and social housing clients.

As one of the fastest-growing companies in the fire and security sector, the new investment from Trimountain and its investment partners will see the Newcastle firm accelerate its ambitious growth plans, while investing in its national infrastructure, systems and capabilities.

The Irwin Mitchell team, led by Banking & Finance partner Akhil Sharma and Robert Farrell, advised Santander Corporate and Commercial Banking on the debt financing for the transaction, via Santander Growth Capital.

Trimountain Partners led on the investment round, together with investor partners including The Vorsprung Partnership and Cambridge Capital Partners. Trimountain was advised by Grant Thornton Corporate Finance, Mishcon de Reya LLP, Grant Thornton Transaction Services and Aon M&A and Transaction Solutions. ABCA were advised by Endeavour Partners.

Expert Opinion

“ABCA has proved itself one of the great North East business success stories and we are delighted to have advised Santander on what is a significant deal for the firm, the sector and the wider region.

“This funding will doubtless drive investment in staff at a key moment as businesses emerge from lockdown. ABCA now has the means to develop its client portfolio and expand its presence across the UK as it looks to capitalise on the opportunities that lie ahead.” Akhil Sharma - Partner

Phillip Miller, managing director of ABCA, said: “I’m proud of ABCA’s reputation of delivering outstanding service and value to its customers, reflected in the sustained and considerable period of growth that we’ve seen over the last few years.

“This investment from Trimountain and its investor partners, will enable us to really accelerate our ambitious growth plans and further invest in our national infrastructure, systems and capabilities.”

Jamie Fraser, relationship director with Santander Corporate and Commercial Banking, said: “We are pleased to have supported Trimountain Partners with their investment into ABCA.

“As a highly regarded North East based business with a national footprint, ABCA has enviable client relationships based upon its first class delivery and technical excellence. We look forward to supporting the Company in delivering its future growth aspirations."

Ali Khanbhai, partner and co-founder of Trimountain Partners, said: “ABCA and its high calibre team led by Philip Miller are best in class in the highly attractive fire and security market.

“Trimountain and our investor partners are thrilled to have the opportunity to join the ABCA family. We look forward to working together with Philip and the ABCA team to add significant value to their customers, service offering and market, with the ambition of taking the business to the next level in the years ahead.”