imported>Neils51: replaced: childrens → children's

2024-12-13T17:33:29Z

replaced: childrens → children's

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{{Short description|British private equity firm}}
{{Infobox company|
| name = Graphite Capital
| type = [[Limited liability partnership|UK LLP]]
| foundation = {{start date and age|1981}}
| predecessor = Foreign & Colonial Ventures Ltd.
| key_people = Markus Golser, Andy Gray
| location = [[London]], {{postcode|W|1}}<br>[[United Kingdom]]
| industry = [[Private Equity]]
| products = [[Investments]], [[private equity fund]]s
| assets = £1.2 billion
| homepage = [http://www.graphitecapital.com/ www.graphitecapital.com]
| num_employees = |
}}

'''Graphite Capital''' is a [[private equity]] firm focused on mid-market [[leveraged buyout]] investments, primarily in the UK. The group manages around [[Pound sterling|£]]1.2 billion for institutional investors, with the most recent fund raising over £500 million in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.graphitecapital.com/news/graphite-capital-raises-over-%C2%A3500m-its-ninth-uk-mid-market-fund |title=Graphite Capital raises over £500m for its ninth UK mid-market fund |publisher=Graphie Capital |date=December 2018}}</ref> Since 1991, the firm has backed almost 100 management teams through various investments.

The firm has managed [[private equity fund]]s since 1981 and in 2001 became fully independent. The firm has a single office in Air Street in [[London|London's]] [[West End of London|West End]]. The firm's Managing Partners are Andy Gray and Markus Golser, who joined in 1992 and 1997 respectively.

==History==
Graphite Capital was originally part of [[F&C Asset Management]] and was known as Foreign & Colonial Ventures Ltd. The firm remained a subsidiary of [[F&C Asset Management]] until 2001, when the Graphite team completed a [[management buyout]].<ref>[http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-75212723/fc-ventures-bought-out.html F&C Ventures bought out by management]. Money Marketing, April 26, 2001</ref><ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/4489983/Management-to-buy-FandC-Ventures.html Management to buy F&C Ventures]. The Telegraph, Apr 22, 2001</ref><ref>[http://www.ipe.com/news/f-c-ventures-becomes-graphite-capital_3764.php F&C Ventures becomes Graphite Capital]. Investments & Pensions Europe, Apr 24, 2001</ref>

The first fund to be managed by Graphite Capital was F&C Enterprise Trust, a UK listed vehicle, which it renamed Graphite Enterprise Trust when the management buyout took place in 2001. The fund became [[ICG Enterprise Trust]] when the management contract was transferred to [[Intermediate Capital Group]] in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2015/12/24/235086/graphite-capital-sells-fund-investment-business-intermediate-capital-group|title=Graphite Capital sells fund investment business to Intermediate Capital Group|date=24 December 2015|publisher=www.privateequitywire.co.uk}}</ref>

==Investments==

The firm's ninth and most recent fund of £500 million raised in 2018<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 July 2018 |title=UK PE firm Graphite Capital brings in £470M for 9th fund |url=https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/trending/Cxu1x90n5LVsOxSPMlMK1Q2 |access-date=19 October 2023 |website=S&P Global |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 July 2018 |title=UK PE firm Graphite Capital brings in £470M for 9th fund |url=https://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/graphite-capital-raises-gbp470m-ninth-uk-mid-market-fund/ |access-date=10 October 2023 |website=Private Equity Wire}}</ref> has backed the following companies, including:

* In October 2023, Storal, a national children's nursery group in England founded in 2016, together with [[OakNorth Bank]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Graphite Capital backs children’s nursery group Storal |url=https://realdeals.eu.com/article/graphite-capital-backs-childrens-nursery-group-storal |access-date=2024-02-04 |website=Real Deals |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 October 2023 |title=OakNorth and Graphite Capital back nursery group |url=https://www.insidermedia.com/news/national/oaknorth-and-graphite-capital-back-nursery-group |access-date=4 February 2024 |website=insider Media}}</ref>
* In 2023, Independence Products Limited, a supplier of prescribed infection prevention products
* In October 2022, [[Timico|Digital Space]], an information technology and cloud services provider formerly known as Timico,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-29 |title=Timico reborn as Digital Space |url=https://www.commsbusiness.co.uk/content/news/timico-reborn-as-digital-space/ |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=Comms Business |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=McHugh |first=Marian |date=2021-06-29 |title=Timico Rebrands as Digital Space |url=https://www.uctoday.com/unified-communications/timico-rebrands-as-digital-space/ |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=UC Today |language=en-GB}}</ref> acquired from Horizon Capital<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lindholm |first=Nina |date=2022-10-10 |title=Graphite Capital snaps up Digital Space from Horizon Capital |url=https://www.pehubeurope.com/graphite-capital-snaps-up-digital-space-from-horizon-capital/ |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=PE Hub Europe |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-06 |title=Newark firm changes private equity owners {{!}} TheBusinessDesk.com |url=https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/eastmidlands/news/2064004-newark-firm-changes-private-equity-owners |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=East Midlands |language=en}}</ref>
* In November 2021, Opus Talent Solutions – a [[Redcliffe, Bristol|Redcliffe]] based international company specializing in recruitment for the technology and [[renewable energy]] markets<ref>{{Cite web |last=Baker |first=Hannah |date=2021-11-18 |title=Bristol-headquartered recruitment company acquired in major deal |url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/enterprise/bristol-recruitment-company-opus-talent-22189444 |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=Business Live |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Graphite Capital acquires Opus Talent Solutions in MBO {{!}} Recruiter |url=https://www.recruiter.co.uk/news/2021/11/graphite-capital-acquires-opus-talent-solutions-mbo |access-date=2023-11-01 |website=www.recruiter.co.uk}}</ref>
* In July 2021, [[Wonderbly]] - a personalised children's book specialist formerly known as Lost My Name<ref>{{Cite web |title=Printweek - Wonderbly plans further expansion under new owner |url=https://www.printweek.com/content/news/wonderbly-plans-further-expansion-under-new-owner/ |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=Printweek |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-27 |title=Graphite Capital buys fast-growing personalised children's book business Wonderbly {{!}} AltAssets Private Equity News |url=https://www.altassets.net/private-equity-news/by-news-type/deal-news/graphite-capital-buys-fast-growing-personalised-childrens-book-business-wonderbly.html |access-date=2023-10-22 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* In November 2020, London-based Babble, a specialist communications technology provider to medium-sized companies, acquired from [[Lloyds Development Capital|Lloyds TSB Development Capital]]<ref>{{Cite web |first= |date= |title=Graphite Capital Acquires Babble {{!}} Mergr M&A Deal Summary |url=https://mergr.com/graphite-capital-acquires-babble-cloud |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=mergr.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 November 2020 |title=Graphite Capital acquires Babble in GBP90m transaction |url=https://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/graphite-capital-acquires-babble-gbp90m-transaction/ |access-date=5 February 2024 |website=Private Equity Wire}}</ref>
* In October 2020, Ten10, an independent quality engineering and software testing consultancy based in London, acquired from [[Livingbridge]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=LCAP |title=Graphite Capital acquires Ten10 from Livingbridge |url=https://www.draxexecutive.com/article/graphite-acquires-ten10 |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=Drax Executive |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 October 2020 |title=Livingbridge sells Ten10 to Graphite Capital |url=https://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/livingbridge-sells-ten10-graphite-capital/ |access-date=5 February 2024 |website=Private Equity Wire}}</ref>
* In August 2019, Horizon Care and Education, a provider of specialist care for children and adolescents, based in [[Cannock]], England<ref>{{Cite web |title=Graphite Capital Acquires Horizon Care {{!}} Mergr M&A Deal Summary |url=https://mergr.com/graphite-capital-acquires-horizon-care-and-education-group |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=mergr.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Notable recent UK deals |url=https://www.clearwaterinternational.com/uk/publications/clearview-childrens-services-market/clearview-private-equity-activity |access-date=2024-02-05 |website=Private equity activity |language=en-GB}}</ref>
* in May 2019, NRS Healthcare, a provider of mobility and disability aids and services<ref>{{Cite web |title=NRS Healthcare, Acquired by Graphite Capital on May 5th, 2019 {{!}} Mergr |url=https://mergr.com/nottingham-rehab-acquired-by-graphite-capital |access-date=2023-10-22 |website=mergr.com}}</ref>

The firm's eighth fund, which was raised in 2013 and invested until 2018, has backed the following companies including:

* City & County Healthcare - a provider of home care services in the UK<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.healthinvestor.co.uk/ShowArticle.aspx?ID=3084|title=HealthInvestor - Article: Graphite Capital backs City & County MBO|website=www.healthinvestor.co.uk}}</ref>
* ICR Group - a provider of repair and maintenance services to the energy sector<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2014/03/14/198661/graphite-capital-backs-icr-mbo|title=Graphite Capital backs ICR MBO|date=14 March 2014|publisher=www.privateequitywire.co.uk}}</ref>
* nGAGE Specialist Recruitment (formerly Human Capital Investment Group) - a recruitment business serving a range of niche areas within the public and private sectors<ref>{{cite web|url=http://realdeals.eu.com/article/47569-graphite-backs-mbo-of-hcig|title=Graphite backs MBO of HCIG - Real Deals|first=Kane|last=Mumford|date=26 November 2014|publisher=realdeals.eu.com}}</ref>
* Trenchard Aviation - a civil aircraft maintenance business focusing on cabin services<ref>{{cite web|url=https://realdeals.eu.com/article/49862|title=Graphite backs Aero Technics - Real Deals|first=Hannah|last=Langworth|date=4 December 2015|publisher=realdeals.eu.com}}</ref>
* New World Trading Company - a pub restaurant group<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bighospitality.co.uk/Business/Living-Ventures-New-World-Trading-Company-sold-to-Graphite-Capital|title=Living Ventures' New World Trading Company sold to Graphite Capital|publisher=www.bighospitality.co.uk}}</ref>
* Beck & Pollitzer - an industrial machinery installation and relocation specialist<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2016/09/20/243799/graphite-capital-acquires-industrial-installation-specialist-beck-pollitzer|title=Graphite Capital acquires industrial installation specialist Beck & Pollitzer|date=20 September 2016|publisher=www.privateequitywire.co.uk}}</ref>

Graphite's seventh fund, which was raised in 2007<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.altassets.net/private-equity-news/graphite-closes-seventh-uk-mid-market-fund-on.html|title=Graphite closes seventh UK mid-market fund on £475m - AltAssets Private Equity News|website=www.altassets.net|date=30 November 2001}}</ref> and invested until 2013, backed companies including:

* U-POL - a manufacturer and distributor of automotive refinishing products
* [[Kurt Geiger]] - the luxury shoe retailer and wholesaler
* Education Personnel - a provider of supply teachers and teaching assistants to state schools in the UK<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2014/05/12/201924/graphite-capital-sells-supply-teaching-specialist-education-personnel-icg|title=Graphite Capital sells supply teaching specialist Education Personnel to ICG|date=12 May 2014|publisher=www.privateequitywire.co.uk}}</ref>
* Alexander Mann Solutions - a provider of recruitment process outsourcing<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.recruitment-international.co.uk/news/graphite-capital-sells-alexander-mann-solutions-for-260m-20600.htm|title=Graphite Capital sells Alexander Mann Solutions for 260m - Recruitment International|publisher=www.recruitment-international.co.uk}}</ref>
* National Fostering Agency - an independent children's fostering agency
* London Square - a house builder focused on prime sites within the M25<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2014/07/04/206130/graphite-sells-london-square-ares-management-gbp100m|title=Graphite sells London Square to Ares Management for GBP100m|date=4 July 2014|publisher=www.privateequitywire.co.uk}}</ref>
* Willowbrook Healthcare - a developer and operator or premium elderly care homes<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.healthinvestor.co.uk/ShowArticle.aspx?ID=2904|title=HealthInvestor - Article: Health Care REIT backs MBO of Willowbrook Healthcare|website=www.healthinvestor.co.uk}}</ref>

The seventh fund's current portfolio also includes:

* [[Explore Learning]] - a provider of after school tuition for children aged between 5 and 14<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.growthbusiness.co.uk/news-and-market-deals/mergers-and-acquisitions/2117663/back-to-school-for-graphite-as-it-backs-explore-learning.thtml|title=Back to school for Graphite as it backs Explore Learning|date=23 August 2012|publisher=www.growthbusiness.co.uk}}</ref>
* [[Hawksmoor (restaurant)|Hawksmoor]] - the operator of premium steak restaurants<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/aug/26/hawksmoor-restaurant-chain-private-equity-sale|title=High steaks: Hawksmoor restaurant chain in private equity sale|first=Jennifer|last=Rankin|date=26 August 2013|work=the Guardian}}</ref>

Earlier investments include Corbin & King - the operator of signature restaurants in London,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2017/12/18/259477/graphite-exits-corbin-king-investment|title=Graphite exits Corbin & King investment|date=18 December 2017|website=Private Equity Wire}}</ref> the [[Groucho Club]] which was sold in July 2015,<ref name=FT_2015>{{cite news|last1=Cotterill|first1=Joseph|title=Groucho Club sold by private equity firm|url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/932c35ea-15d3-11e5-a58d-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3kfCJiAuj|access-date=3 September 2015|work=Financial Times|date=18 June 2015}}</ref>
Dominion Oil & Gas,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.growthbusiness.co.uk/news-and-market-deals/mergers-and-acquisitions/2368468/dominion-gas-sale-sees-graphite-capital-hit-four-exits-in-12-months.thtml|title=Dominion Gas sale sees Graphite Capital hit four exits in 12 months|date=30 May 2013|publisher=www.growthbusiness.co.uk}}</ref> NES Group,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2012/10/05/174289/graphite-capital-sells-nes-global-talent|title=Graphite Capital sells NES Global Talent|date=5 October 2012|publisher=}}</ref> [[Wagamama]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4104614.stm|title=Wagamama gobbled up in £102m deal|date=17 June 2005|publisher=BBC}}</ref> and Park Holidays.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pehub.com/2013/11/graphite-capital-sells-park-holidays-uk/|title=Graphite Capital sells Park Holidays UK - PE Hub|date=12 November 2013|publisher=www.pehub.com}}</ref>

== Divestments ==
In August 2022, Graphite sold YSC Consulting, a provider of leadership consulting and management assessment, acquired from [[Livingbridge]] in 2017,<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 October 2017 |title=Graphite backs GBP72m MBO of leadership consultancy YSC |url=https://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2017/10/30/257730/graphite-backs-gbp72m-mbo-leadership-consultancy-ysc |access-date=12 November 2023 |website=Private Equity Wire}}</ref> to [[Accenture]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cook |first=James |date=2022-08-15 |title=Graphite sells YSC Consulting to global professional services firm Accenture - Business Leader News |url=https://www.businessleader.co.uk/graphite-sells-ysc-consulting-to-global-professional-services-firm-accenture/ |access-date=2023-11-12 |website=Business Leader}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Macfarlanes advises Graphite Capital on sale of YSC Consulting - Macfarlanes |url=https://www.macfarlanes.com/press-releases/2022/macfarlanes-advises-graphite-capital-on-sale-of-ysc-consulting/ |access-date=2023-11-12 |website=www.macfarlanes.com |language=en-us}}</ref> In June 2022, the firm sold Random42, a producer of digital medical animation,<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 July 2017 |title=Graphite acquires medical animation producer Random42 from Vespa Capital |url=https://www.pehub.com/2017/07/3463897/# |website=PE Hub}}</ref> to The Lockwood Group, a US medical communications company.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 June 2022 |title=Graphite Capital sells Random42 to The Lockwood Group |url=https://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/graphite-capital-sells-random42-lockwood-group/ |access-date=16 November 2023 |website=Private Equity Wire}}</ref> In July 2021, the firm sold U-POL, a manufacturer and distributor of fillers, coatings and aerosols,<ref>{{cite web |last=Ltd |first=Insider Media |title=Graphite Capital backs £130m U-POL buy-out |url=http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/38672-graphite-capital-backs-130m-u-pol-buy-out/ |publisher=www.insidermedia.com}}</ref> to US firm [[Axalta|Axalta Coating Systems]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Latham |first=Mark |title=Graphite Capital sells U-Pol for £428m |url=https://www.penews.com/articles/graphite-capital-sells-u-pol-for-428m-20210708 |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=www.penews.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.graphitecapital.com/ Graphite Capital] (company website)

{{Private equity and venture capital}}

[[Category:Private equity firms of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Financial services companies based in London]]
[[Category:Financial services companies established in 1981]]

Graphite Capital - Revision history

imported>Neils51: replaced: childrens → children's