Browne Jacobson advises Obsequio Group on investment by Warren Equity Partners

UK and Ireland law firm Browne Jacobson has successfully advised Beech Tree Private Equity and Beechbrook Capital LLP on the investment by Warren Equity Partners LLP. This marks a successful exit for Beech Tree and Beechbrook Capital and significant further investment in Obsequio Group, an expert provider of fire safety, water hygiene, security and compliance for energy environment services across the UK.

As part of the investment from Warren Equity Partners, Browne Jacobson also advised on a further two acquisitions: Atlas World (an active fire compliance specialist based in Belfast) and PLP Fire & Security (a smoke and ventilation specialist based in Chatham).  

Headquartered in Leicester and now employing over 630 staff, Obsequio has expanded rapidly, both organically and through acquisition, extending the range of compliance services offered by the group as well as expanded its geographic coverage. Obsequio has also invested heavily in its market-leading proprietary technology platform, Drax Technology, which provides customers with a holistic life safety and building compliance solution. The technology has been deployed globally, helps to protect over 4,000 businesses and manages more than one million alarm events annually. 

Browne Jacobson’s long-term partnership with Obsequio’s management team, TICC sector expertise and experienced private equity, banking and M&A teams have enabled us to support the group with investments by Beechbrook Capital and Beech Tree as well as a refinancing with Kartesia to accelerate the group’s buy and build strategy to become a premium platform with sector leading KPI’s.  

The Browne Jacobson team was headed by Mike Jackson, Corporate Partner and Head of the Birmingham Office, alongside Corporate Partner Clare Hanna. The transaction team included Principal Associate Matt Dorman and Associates Alys Bratch, Jack Milnthorpe, and Morgan Summerfield. Supported by more than 40 lawyers, the team provided comprehensive vendor due diligence services throughout the transaction. 

Mike Jackson, Corporate Partner at Browne Jacobson, commented: “I'm extremely proud of our work supporting Obsequio Group and its management team through this complex transaction. Having advised the management team for a number of years, it's an exciting time for them as they continue their growth journey with the support of Warren Equity Partners, and we're delighted to have played our part in making that happen.  

“Bringing together new investment from Warren Equity Partners, successful exits for Beech Tree and Beechbrook Capital, and two acquisitions required real depth of sector expertise and transactional capability. This deal exemplifies what can be achieved when you combine our genuine sector knowledge with our experienced private equity and M&A teams, and it's a real demonstration of the region's capacity to support the growth of exceptional businesses.” 

Simon Abley, CEO of the Obsequio Group, added: “Browne Jacobson have been our trusted advisers for several years, supporting our growth strategy and helping us scale the business alongside Beech Tree. When we decided to seek investment for our next phase of growth, they were the obvious choice to guide us through this complex transaction.  

“Their support throughout has been exceptional. Mike, Clare and the entire Browne Jacobson team have consistently delivered expert advice with real understanding of our business and ambitions. We're now perfectly positioned to continue our growth journey with Warren Equity Partners."