BGF completes exit from BB7 following growth in fire safety sector
Iain Hoey
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Fire safety leader BB7 enters new phase under Certania after BGF exit
BGF has announced the completion of its exit from London-based fire safety consultancy BB7.
During its partnership with BGF, BB7 expanded into the UK’s largest specialist consultancy in fire and façade engineering.
The growth capital investment supported BB7’s buy-and-build strategy, including the acquisitions of Omega Fire in Manchester and Goldsmith Engineering in Ireland.
According to BGF, the exit generated a three-times money multiple return and a 21% internal rate of return (IRR).
Expansion, leadership and certification achievements
BGF said its funding enabled BB7 to expand its senior leadership team, introduce new systems and adopt a data-led approach to decision making.
The company added that BB7 became a certified B-Corp and achieved recognition from Best Companies during the investment period.
BB7 now operates from ten offices and employs nearly 200 staff across the UK and Ireland.
Post-exit, BB7’s founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ben Bradford, will become CEO of the Buildings and Infrastructure Division of Certania Group.
The division will continue a buy-and-build strategy to establish an inter-disciplinary platform within the engineering and consultancy sector.
Leadership reflections on partnership outcomes
Ben Bradford, CEO of BB7, said: “With BGF, we set out an ambitious plan to build the UK’s leading fire and façade engineering consultancy.
“I would like to thank the entire BB7 team.
“I’m hugely proud of what we have achieved together and excited for BB7’s next chapter with Certania.”
Jane Gilbert Boot, Investor at BGF, said: “This is a fantastic result for BGF and for Ben and his team.
“The business has grown significantly under our partnership and is now well positioned for its next phase of growth with Certania.”
Andy Gregory, CEO of BGF, said: “These recent exits are a testament to the quality of the founders and management teams we back.
“The strength of our portfolio reflects the fact that we continue to attract high-quality businesses, and that’s what’s enabling us to deliver strong returns.”
Sell-side advisors on the transaction were Clearwater and Squire Patton Boggs, with additional support from Eight Advisory, CIL Management Consultants and DSA Advisory.