Deb Group acquired by Charterhouse Capital Partners

Deb Group was acquired on Saturday, 27th February by Charterhouse Capital Partners, supporting a management buy out, led by Bryan Anderson and Russell Baker.

Deb manufactures and markets skincare products and dispensing systems for the industrial, automotive, healthcare, food and commercial sectors. The business manufactures a range of hand hygiene and cleaning products under a number of brands including Deb, Cutan and Swarfega.

The business has operations in 16 countries and its products are sold in 100 countries. In the year to 31 December 2009, Deb generated sales of more than £122m.

“Mid-market private equity investor Barclays Private Equity said it had sold skin-care products company Deb Group to Charterhouse Capital Partners for GBP325 million, representing a 5.7-times gain on BPE’s original investment of GBP32 million.

Barclays Private Equity backed the GBP135 million management buyout of Deb in March 2004, acquiring a 55% stake in the business. The business has generating a 116% increase in revenue and 190% increase in earnings before interest and taxes over the past six years, Barclays Private Equity said.

In 2006, the business was refinanced, which enabled Barclays Private Equity to refinance its original investment and fund the acquisition of a further shareholding, taking its stake to 75%”. writes Madeleine Nissen, Dow Jones Newswires

During its investment period, BPE introduced a new management team, expanded sales into Germany and Japan, and invested in a new manufacturing facility in Derbyshire.

Charterhouse Capital Partners brings the Deb Group access to a larger amount of investment capital and a very high level of professional expertise within their management team.

Bryan Anderson, Chief Executive of Deb said:
“Barclays Private Equity has provided Deb with tremendous support since the original date of its investment in the business. Deb has developed and prospered under the ownership of BPE, who recruited a management team to take the business forward into new markets and sectors. The development of our new global headquarters and European manufacturing plant in Derbyshire is a clear illustration of this support. BPE passes on a highly successful, well invested company to Charterhouse Capital Partners”

Deb Group now looks confidently to the future under new owners who totally support the exisiting vision for the business.