Lloyd’s Register Group divests its Energy business to Inspirit Capital
Arrowpoint Advisory and Rothschild & Co have advised global professional services organisation, Lloyd’s Register Group, on the sale of its Energy business unit to Inspirit Capital, a London-based investment firm which provides capital and expertise to drive transformation and growth in UK-headquartered businesses.
The agreement follows a comprehensive review of LR’s business portfolio and strategic direction.
LR’s Energy business was founded in the 1930s following LR’s diversification from marine assets into the oil and gas industry. LR Energy has subsequently supported the transformation of global energy infrastructure, working on complex and large-scale energy projects around the world, becoming one of the leading engineering consultancy partners of choice. Since 2005, numerous strategic acquisitions including Capstone, ODS, Human Engineering, Celerity3, ModuSpec, Scandpower and WEST Engineering propelled the business. The acquisition of Senergy in 2013 expanded LR Energy’s portfolio, covering the full energy value chain and life cycle, from reservoir to refinery and beyond.
Commenting on the announcement, LR’s Chief Executive Officer, Alastair Marsh said: “As part of an ongoing strategic review of our business, we reached the decision that this transaction is the best option to realise the long-term growth potential of our Energy business. LR Energy offers world-class engineering solutions across the sector, and the partnership with Inspirit provides them with further support and investment to underpin their growth objectives. The LR Group remains committed to the energy sector, continuing to support our clients through our offshore compliance, digital products and inspection services businesses, in collaboration with our former LR Energy colleagues where appropriate.”
John Wilford, LR Group Strategy and Corporate Development Director said: “The Rothschild & Co and Arrowpoint Advisory team did an excellent job in identifying likely bidder interest and structuring a competitive process for what was a complex carve-out. Their focus and commitment helped ensure that the deal was concluded in line with an ambitious and highly demanding timetable.”
Will Stamp, Founding Partner at Inspirit Capital said: “LR’s Energy division has an excellent reputation internationally and we are proud to be supporting the next phase in the development of the business. We are backing a world-class team and look forward to building a valuable standalone organisation in a market undergoing dramatic change.”
Ian Brown, Managing Director at Arrowpoint Advisory, concluded: “Rothschild & Co and Arrowpoint Advisory have both worked closely with Lloyd’s Register Group and we were delighted to have the opportunity to advise LR on this transaction. We look forward to following the progress the business makes as it starts an exciting new chapter with Inspirit as its partner.”
Contact the deal team
