LDC Dominates League Table of Britain's Fastest-Growing Private Equity-Backed Firms

LONDON, February 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- 10 LDC Portfolio Companies in the Top 100 Reflecting the Firm's Successful Investment Record

LDC, the leading regional mid-market private equity house and private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group, is pleased to announce that ten of its portfolio companies are ranked in the latest Sunday Times Buyout Track 100 ranking of the fastest growing private equity-backed companies in the UK.

There was a contribution from across LDC's regional offices: Mountain Warehouse, Microlease and National Accident Helpline (LDC London), Ultimate Products (LDC North West), Aim Aviation (LDC Midlands), United House, Quantel (LDC South), Aesica, JHP Group, Quantum Specials Limited (Yorkshire/North East).

The deals largely involved MBOs with the provision of development capital and the companies span a range of sectors, including TMT, Industrials, Retail, Support Services, Digital Media, Financial Services, Construction & Property and Healthcare

Securing so many companies in the fastest-growing ranking is a great achievement for LDC, a company that has over the past few years consistently invested in Britain's SME sector against a backdrop of economic depression. The core philosophy of identifying and investing alongside ambitious management teams remains undiminished.

Within the mid-market, LDC's pace of investment and performance continues to set it apart from its competitors. Already this year, LDC has already completed two deals - the acquisition of leading document management company Sala International and an investment in specialist software provider, eConveyancer.

Last year LDC invested over GBP240million in 11 deals across a number of sectors and across the full range of its GBP2million to GBP100million investment range as well as completing seven exits.

LDC completed seven exits in 2010 including selling stakes in Porterbrook Leasing Company, CMG, British Salt, Vision Security Group, Kylmar, Omega Red and Virgin Racing. These exits, valued in excess of GBP700million, have resulted in an aggregate IRR of over 30% and an over 3x money multiple.

Darryl Eales, CEO of LDC commented: "It is really pleasing to see the success achieved by the management teams of these companies, and to see them recognised in this year's Sunday Times Buyout Track 100 listing. It is particularly satisfying to see the geographical spread of those companies included and LDC teams from across the UK supporting some exceptional businesses. Our regional presence is an invaluable part of our business."

http://www.ldc.co.uk/

    
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