Mobeus Creates Largest Provider of Car Valeting Services in the UK

LONDON, February 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Mobeus Equity Partners ("Mobeus") has provided an additional £3.2m to portfolio company Motorclean, the specialist car valeting business, to support the acquisition of the trade and assets of Forward Valeting Services ("Forward") as part of a £5m transaction. Mobeus financed the MBO of Motorclean in July 2011 and this follow on funding takes its total investment in the company to £9.2m.

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The acquisition sees the creation of the UK's largest supplier of cleaning and valeting services to the motor industry with a turnover in excess of £35m and operations at c. 450 dealership sites across the country.

Valeting is a vital component of the presentation of cars for sale and perception of service quality for customers using dealers' workshops. By outsourcing their valeting, dealerships are able to save money, operate with a flexible cost structure and improve the quality of the valeting they deliver.

With new car registrations up by 5.3% in 2012 to the highest level since 2008, Mobeus's further investment into Motorclean reflects both confidence in the improved state of the UK car industry, and a firm belief in the continued growth of outsourcing in the UK economy as businesses focus on their core competencies and efficiency improvements.

Quotes

Chris Price, Investment Director at Mobeus, who led the original investment and who sits on the board of Motorclean, comments:

"Motorclean is a typical Mobeus investment: robust, cash generative and most importantly well managed by a team who really know their market. We are delighted to have been able to invest further to support a team we rate highly to create a true UK market leader in a market ripe for consolidation."

Steve McBrierty, CEO of Motorclean, comments:

"Since they first approached us in 2011, Mobeus have consistently delivered everything they have promised. The acquisition of such a high quality asset in Forward has allowed us to bring into our business a great customer base but most importantly high quality people who will supplement our market-leading team.

Mobeus's ability to provide a combined debt and equity structure was key to our original deal but also enabled us to provide Forward's shareholders with certainty of delivery in what is a challenging market for debt finance.

Having established the largest player in the market we look forward to working alongside Mobeus in what is a true partnership to deliver further growth and continue to lead our industry in terms of both innovation and customer service."

Issued by Mobeus Equity Partners LLP, of 30 Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4EX, registered in England & Wales number OC 320577, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority, number 456538. This material is for information only and does not constitute an offer to buy or sell an investment nor does it solicit any such invitation. The information is believed to be accurate at the date of publication but no representation or warranty stated or implied is made or given by any person as to its accuracy or completeness and no responsibility or liability is accepted for any such information or opinion.

For further information please contact:
Laura Marsh
+44-(0)20-7024-7617
For more information, visit http://www.mobeusequity.co.uk

SOURCE Motorclean