Latest Deal Is The Fourth Irwin Mitchell Has Advised Phenna On In 12 Months

The corporate team at Irwin Mitchell has advised Nottingham headquartered Phenna Group on its acquisition of Simtec Materials as part of the testing giant’s continued expansion in the global testing, inspection, certification and compliance (TICC) sector.

This latest acquisition is the fourth deal in less than 12 months that Irwin Mitchell has advised Phenna on, as it continues to target opportunities to expand its expertise into new testing sectors.

Established in 2007, Simtec is an independent material testing company, serving the civil engineering, construction and quarrying industries. Specialising in all areas of asphalt aggregates and concrete testing from production to on-site verification, Simtec has a nationwide customer base and holds UKAS accreditation for infrastructure and construction site testing.

Established in 2018 the Phenna Group has aimed to unite the TICC sector, by partnering with niche companies that serve a variety of sectors in the marketplace, allowing all firms within the Phenna portfolio to develop their full potential.

Irwin Mitchell corporate partner Nick Dawson, along with senior associate Matt Smith, advised Phenna on this transaction. The team at Irwin Mitchell have now advised Phenna on four transactions, including the acquisition of XAIS Asset Management in August and the earlier purchases of CELTEST and Pavement Testing Services.

Expert Opinion

“Over the last 12 months the Phenna Group has demonstrated its commitment to the testing services sector and we’re delighted to have been able to assist them on that journey.

“Four deals in less than 12 months shows a commitment to the marketplace that no one can miss and further highlights the strength in depth of the business and the services it can provide to clients throughout the UK and beyond.

“This is a business that is showing its credentials and underscores the confidence in this sector for future expansion on both a local and national level in the months and years ahead.” Matt Smith - Senior Associate Solicitor

Chris Simmons, MD of Simtec commented: “I’m really excited to join Phenna Group. Having made the decision to seek a supportive partner to help further grow the business, it was important to select someone with wide industry expertise and an operating model that valued my brand and employee expertise.

“From my first meeting with Paul and the Phenna Team, they ticked all the right boxes and I was immediately impressed by their easy to deal with approach. I’m convinced working with Phenna Group will help me realise Simtec’s full potential.”

Paul Barry, Group CEO of Phenna Group said: “I’m very pleased and excited that Chris has chosen to partner with Phenna Group. Simtec has an excellent regional reputation and from my first meeting with Chris at my house, he’s been straightforward and easy to deal with, which bodes well for a promising future together.

“The highly experienced Simtec team will help us to consolidate our geographical footprint and extend our wide range of infrastructure site and laboratory testing and services. I very much look forward to welcoming Chris and his team to Phenna Group.”

Phenna Group was advised by Johnston Carmichael and Irwin Mitchell, while Simtec Materials Ltd was advised by Shakespeare Martineau and Burton Wallis.