Marlowe plc has acquired Ellis Whittam

Marlowe plc has acquired employment law, HR and health and safety provider Ellis Whittam. The acquisition will mark a successful exit for the founder, Mark Ellis, and for minority shareholder private equity firm LDC.

Founded in 2004 by solicitor Mark Ellis, Ellis Whittam provides employment law, HR and safety support to over 35,000 UK employers, including businesses, schools, religious organisations, charities and membership associations. Ellis Whittam employs c.200 people and has a head office in Aldford, Chester as well as offices in Glasgow and London. LDC acquired a minority stake in the business in 2016 and will exit on completion of the deal.

Marlowe is a specialist services group focused on the development of businesses which assure the safety and regulatory compliance of their clients with respect to both property and people. The business is listed on the London Stock Exchange with a market capitalisation of over €326m (£300m). In a short space of time it has built a group of businesses comprising of health and safety compliance, software, water treatment and hygiene, fire safety and security and air quality and testing services.

Rothschild & Co advised on the acquisition of this transaction. For further detail please contact Jeremy Furniss.

Contact the deal team