Alpine Fire Engineers is set for expansion with a new £70m refinancing package secured from Shawbrook Bank and HSBC.
This financial collaboration supports Alpine’s growth and acquisition strategy, following its management buyout in 2022.
Strategic Financial Movement
Bury-based Alpine Fire Engineers has secured an impressive £70m refinancing deal with Shawbrook Bank and HSBC. This strategic move is designed to propel the company towards further expansion. The acquired funds have notably facilitated their recent takeover of DAS Fire, positioning Alpine for future acquisitions that complement its successful organic growth strategy.
Alpine’s recent management buyout, supported by private equity firm WestBridge in December 2022, has set the stage for substantial growth in their core sectors. The refinancing aligns perfectly with their long-term vision of expanding both organically and through strategic acquisitions, enhancing their capability to enter more complex, high-value markets.
Broader Market Positioning
The financial backing has enabled Alpine to enhance its technical capabilities significantly, helping it penetrate more sophisticated market segments. This growth has not only increased Alpine’s market share, but solidified its standing as a competitive player in the fire engineering industry.
Thomas Dutton, a senior investment manager at WestBridge, highlighted the flexibility and certainty that this new debt facility brings. “Alpine has achieved impressive growth since our investment in 2022,” he stated.
Executive Insights
Alpine’s chief executive, Steven Nanda, expressed gratitude towards Shawbrook and HSBC for their commitment. “Their support accelerates our ambition to become the leading fire suppression specialist for complex environments,” he noted.
Jake Taylor, director at HSBC UK Leveraged Finance, remarked on the promising synergy between Alpine and DAS Fire, as the acquisition is highly complementary to Alpine’s broader group strategy.
Deepak Parekh from Shawbrook Financial Sponsors also expressed enthusiasm in continuing to support Alpine’s ambitions, recognising the strong results delivered by Steve and his management team since the 2022 buyout.
Operational Enhancements
Alongside financial growth, Alpine has experienced a significant operational evolution. New senior team members have been appointed, IT systems upgraded, and a strategic bolt-on has been implemented. These changes have collectively resulted in a remarkable 30% increase in their workforce.
Alpine has been at the forefront of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, marking a commitment to sustainable business practices. These initiatives underline Alpine’s dedication to not only financial but also ethical growth.
Partnership Dynamics and Future Prospects
The collaboration between Alpine and financial partners Shawbrook, HSBC, and WestBridge represents a strong alliance poised to drive future endeavours. The collective expertise and resources of these partners offer Alpine a unique platform to explore and capitalise on strategic market opportunities.
The addition of HSBC into the financial mix is particularly noteworthy, enhancing the existing support provided by Shawbrook. This new partnership is anticipated to open doors for further strategic developments, as implied by Thomas Dutton and Jake Taylor.
Advisory Support and Due Diligence
Throughout this deal, Alpine was advised by Clearwater on debt advisory matters, and Pinsent Masons acted as their legal counsel. These strategic partnerships were crucial in navigating the complex landscape of refinancing.
BDO provided financial due diligence, ensuring that all financial aspects were scrutinised, while Eversheds Sutherland provided legal counsel for Shawbrook Bank and HSBC. Such comprehensive advisory networks underscore the detailed planning involved in Alpine’s expansion initiative.
Growth Amidst Challenges
Alpine’s robust strategies and strong financial backing have positioned it for success amidst industry challenges. The company’s ability to adapt and evolve rapidly has been a cornerstone of its current achievements.
As Alpine continues to grow, its focus remains firmly on innovation and excellence, with strategic plans in place to secure a leading market position.
Alpine is poised for success, backed by strong financial partners and strategic expansion plans.
Their commitment to innovation and market leadership sets Alpine on a promising path forward.