Lanes Group
Liberty advises the management team of Lanes Group on the majority investment by Global Infrastructure Partners, part of BlackRock
Liberty Corporate Finance is delighted to announce they have advised the management team of Lanes Group, one of the UK's leading providers of water and wastewater services, on its significant investment from funds managed by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a part of BlackRock, which will take a majority stake in the business. This strategic investment is expected to complete by end October 2024 and will enable Lanes Group to expand its industry-leading activities at greater scale.
With over 4,000 employees, Lanes Group has grown significantly under private ownership since its inception over 30 years ago. The company’s commitment to innovation and exceptional client delivery has positioned it as a key player across the UK water industry, providing critical support to water utilities and private sector businesses from Scotland to the south coast of England.
Lanes Group has achieved impressive growth through strategic acquisitions, from Sapphire Utility Solutions in the northwest, to Clear-flow in the southwest. These developments have strengthened the company’s capabilities and cemented its reputation for delivering innovative solutions across water and wastewater networks.
The company continues to focus on delivering exceptional results whilst maintaining a strong and sustainable growth trajectory. The investment from BlackRock will allow Lanes Group to accelerate its ambitious growth plans, including expanding its service offerings, strengthening customer relationships and investing in new technologies, which will further reinforce the company’s position as a leader in the UK’s wastewater infrastructure sector.
Liberty advised Wayne Earnshaw, CEO, and the rest of the management team on their investment alongside GIP and their management incentive plan.
The team at Liberty have been very helpful to us during the process to agree our continuing investment and sweet equity terms with Blackrock. Their clear, straightforward approach and explanations have been invaluable to our understanding of the new financial structure.
Wayne Earnshaw
CEO of Lanes Group
It has been a pleasure working with Wayne and his team over the past few months. We are delighted to have helped them agree terms with GIP Blackrock as a new investment partner and we look forward to seeing the Lanes Group go from strength to strength in the years ahead.
Michael McDonagh
Partner
+44 (0) 7715 705 000
michael.mcdonagh@liberty-cf.com