KCP unlocks the equity gap for Midlands Companies

Key Capital Partners (KCP), has increased its national footprint by launching a Birmingham office. KCP partner, Owen Trotter, has moved from the firm’s Cambridge office to head up the new venture.

KCP, which has a further office in Leeds, has bolstered its Midlands team with the appointment of Jonathan Lamb as investment manager. Lamb joins from KPMG’s Birmingham office, where he specialised in advising mid-market companies. At KCP, he will support Trotter in identifying investment opportunities among the region’s profitable, growing companies.

Trotter commented: “Despite current market forces, the Midlands economy remains an attractive place to invest, due in part to its status as a manufacturing and engineering hub, and both sectors being supported by the depreciation of the pound against the euro. Additionally, these sectors have management teams experienced in riding out the type of difficult conditions we are likely to face for the next couple of years.

“As well as an abundance of attractive businesses with high growth potential, the Midlands also boasts one of the country’s strongest advisory communities, capable of structuring deals to best benefit both management teams and investors during this difficult period. Jonathan and I are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for KCP in the Midlands, and look forward to strengthening our relationships with the region’s companies, banks and advisers.”

Recent research by Corpfin Worldwide identified KCP as the top private equity house for ‘equity gap’ deals, based on later stage transactions completed between May 2007 and April 2008, with an enterprise value of between £5 million and £15 million.