Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Investcorp has signed a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Smart Managed Solutions, a UK provider of mechanical and electrical facilities management services.
Smart’s co-founders will retain a meaningful minority stake in the business as part of the transaction, Investcorp said in a statement. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in London, Smart provides critical mechanical and electrical maintenance services, including HVAC, electrical, fire, water and gas systems. The company focuses on commercial office buildings and technical end-markets such as life sciences, education, digital infrastructure and public sector assets.
Investcorp said Smart has built a differentiated reputation through service quality, a data-led delivery model and relationships with blue-chip managing agents and direct clients. The company has generated more than £100 million in revenue and achieved more than 30% annual organic growth in recent years.
Under Investcorp’s ownership, Smart is expected to pursue further organic growth alongside a targeted mergers and acquisitions strategy to expand into new end-markets and regions across the UK. Investcorp said it will support the business in its next phase of development, including continued investment in technology and further professionalisation of the organisation.
José Pfeifer, Head of European Private Equity Buyouts at Investcorp, said: “Smart represents a compelling opportunity to invest in a high-quality business operating in a large, resilient and growing market. Its strong track record, differentiated offering, and position in mission-critical services, provide a solid foundation for further expansion.
"We look forward to supporting the organisation in its next phase of growth, including through continued investment and targeted acquisitions.”
Owen Li, Managing Director at Investcorp, added: “We are excited to partner with Smart, its founders and management team at this exciting stage of growth. Having built a strong relationship, we are aligned on a clear vision for the business and look forward to working closely together to scale the platform and continue delivering best-in-class, client-centric services.”
Lee Bainbridge and Alex Wilkin, Co-Founders of Smart, said: “Smart has built a strong reputation for service quality and customer delivery, supported by an outstanding team. We are excited to partner with Investcorp as we enter the next phase of growth, benefiting from their experience in supporting founder-owned businesses and scaling platforms in this sector.”
Lee Metcalfe, CEO of Smart, added: “We look forward to working with Investcorp as we continue to grow the business. Their strategic support and sector expertise will enable us to further strengthen our offering, invest in our capabilities, including technology, and pursue new opportunities across the UK market.”
Investcorp said the transaction further strengthens its track record in the UK, following recent investments including Stowe Family Law in 2024 and Outcomes First Group in 2023. It also complements Investcorp’s broader activity in the commercial services sector globally, including its investments in RESA Power in the US and Kee Safety in the UK.
Investcorp is a global investment manager specialising in alternative investments across private equity, real assets, credit and liquid strategies. The firm manages approximately $62 billion in assets, including assets managed by third-party managers, and has 14 offices in the US, Europe, GCC and Asia.
