Investment in LEBC Group
B.P. Marsh & Partners PLC
10 April 2007
Date: 10th April 2007
On behalf of: B.P. Marsh & Partners Plc ('B. P. Marsh' or the 'Company')
B.P. Marsh & Partners Plc
£2 Million Investment in LEBC Group
B. P. Marsh & Partners Plc (AIM: BPM), a niche venture capital provider to early
stage financial services businesses, announces that it has acquired a 22.5%
equity stake in LEBC Holdings Limited ('LEBC') for consideration of up to
£1,965,500.
LEBC Group (a subsidiary of LEBC) is an Independent Financial Advisory company
providing services to individuals, corporates and partnerships, principally in
employee benefits, investment and life product areas. It was established in 2000
with four branches and 10 advisers; today it has grown to 11 branches in
Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds, Hull, Birmingham, Leicester, London,
Bristol, Southampton and Cambridge, employing 56 advisers.
LEBC Group's turnover for the year ended 31 May 2006 was £6.7 million which
generated pre-tax profits of £0.6million.
The initial investment was £1,783,250 with a potential final payment of up to a
further £182,250 based upon the audited results to 31 May 2007. B. P. Marsh
financed the acquisition from existing cash resources that were raised when the
Company floated on AIM in February 2006. The funds invested will enable the
founders to realise some of the value they have created over the last seven
years. In addition to this investment, B. P. Marsh are prepared to acquire
further shares as they become available which will help the company create a
value and an internal market in the company's shares. In line with the Company's
investment approach, a B.P. Marsh director will join the LEBC board.
Commenting on the investment, Brian Marsh OBE, B.P. Marsh's Chairman, said:
'LEBC is a high quality financial services business in which we are delighted to
be given the opportunity to assist in its next phase of growth and development.
We have had prior experience in growing an IFA business and see similar
potential in LEBC. The team at LEBC has an excellent track record, superb
reputation and we are delighted to be associated with this quality business.'
Jack McVitie of LEBC, commented:
'B. P. Marsh & Partners are the perfect partners for LEBC at this time. They
understand that our independence is of paramount importance to us in being able
to provide truly independent financial advise to all clients. In 2000, we had
the vision of creating a nationwide operation - that vision has become a reality
and we now look forward to taking the company to its next stage whilst focusing
on only employing the leading independent financial advisers who are able to
advise from a position of informed expertise, underpinned by the highest ethical
standards and with a common philosophy. '
Further information on LEBC is available at the company's website:
www.lebc-group.com
- ends -
For further information:
B.P. Marsh & Partners Plc www.bpmarsh.co.uk
Brian Marsh OBE +44 (0)20 7730 2626
Nominated Adviser
Nabarro Wells & Co. Limited
David Nabarro/Marc Cramsie +44 (0)20 7710 7400
Redleaf Communications (PR to B.P. Marsh)
Emma Kane/Tom Newman +44 (0)20 7822 0200
-ends-
Notes to Editors:
About B.P. Marsh & Partners Plc
B.P. Marsh's current portfolio contains eleven companies. More detailed
descriptions of the portfolio can be found at www.bpmarsh.co.uk.
Over the past 17 years, the Company has assembled a management team with
considerable experience both in the financial services sector and in managing
private equity investments. Many of the directors have worked with each other in
previous roles, and all executive directors have worked with each other for at
least five years.
Prior to Brian Marsh's involvement in the Company, he spent many years in
insurance broking and underwriting in Lloyd's as well as the London and overseas
market. He has over 30 years' experience in building, buying and selling
financial services businesses, particularly in the insurance sector.
Managing Director, Natasha Dunbar, has over 12 years' experience in the
financial services industry. Having joined the Company in 1994 she was made
managing director in March 2002. Natasha is responsible for the day to day
running of all operational aspects of the business and works closely with Brian
Marsh in defining the strategic development of the Company.
Francis de Zulueta is the Company's Development Director. With a wide-ranging
knowledge of the financial services market, he seeks out, researches and
evaluates potential new investments for B.P. Marsh. Following a 23-year broking
career with Willis Faber and Aon, among others, he took an active interest in
the mergers, acquisitions and venture capital business of Marsh McLennan.
Jonathan Newman is the Group Director of Finance and has 9 years' experience in
the financial services industry. Jonathan advises investee companies through
several non-executive board appointments and evaluates new investment
opportunities.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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