Henley embarks on new chapter with MBO and acquisition
Henley Construction Management Group (“Henley”), a specialist construction group headquartered in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has completed a management buyout (MBO) alongside the acquisition of Smart Crosby International (SCI), a leading engineering and consultancy practice.
The MBO was completed by long-standing senior team members Tom Cardoe, Jon Henley, Dave Cawley and Jim Wenham.
It marks a milestone in Henley’s growth journey, enabling the founding directors, Shaun and Zoe Henley, to take a step back from day-to-day operations while continuing to support the business strategically. They will retain a minority shareholding and remain closely involved in helping the company realise its full potential.
Yorkshire accountancy and business advisory group Azets, one of the UK’s top 10 accountancy firms, provided deal and tax advisory services for the MBO and SCI acquisition.
Stephen Garbett, York-based Corporate Finance Partner at Azets, said: “We’re proud to have supported Henley through this transformational phase.
“The MBO and acquisition of SCI are landmark deals that create a strong platform for future growth.
“It’s been a pleasure working with Shaun, Zoe and the management team, and we look forward to seeing Henley continue to thrive.”
The combined strength of the MBO team and SCI acquisition will power Henley’s next phase of expansion, with plans to double the size of the business over the coming years under an ambitious growth strategy.
Tom Cardoe said: “We are delighted to complete the MBO for Henley and the strategic acquisition of SCI. This marks a major milestone for the business and sets the stage for an exciting new era.”
Jon Henley said: “We’re proud to build on the legacy created by Shaun and Zoe, and we’re committed to driving ambitious growth, underpinned by a secured pipeline of work and a fantastic team.”
Dave Cawley said: “SCI has been a trusted partner for many years, and bringing them into the Henley Group is a natural next step. Their expertise strengthens our technical capability and allows us to offer a fully integrated façade solution. We’re building on Shaun’s vision and values, and we’re excited about what the future holds.”
Henley was founded in 2012 and has grown into a nationally recognised specialist construction group, delivering façade systems, heritage restoration, stainless-steel fabrication and rail infrastructure projects across the UK.
The Group includes Henley Stone Specialists, Henley Restoration & Remedials, and HZS Stainless Steel.
Shaun Henley said: “It is a proud moment to hand over the business to a highly experienced team that has played such a pivotal role in its success. Our principles have always been simple: build the best buildings in the country and maintain an unwavering commitment to quality, delivery and pride in everything we do. I’m confident the team will carry these values forward.”
SCI is a façade engineering and consultancy practice based in Oakham, Rutland, providing specialist façade design, structural analysis, and technical coordination services.
Henley and SCI have a long-standing relationship, having collaborated on numerous complex building envelope projects.
The acquisition enhances Henley’s ability to deliver fully integrated façade solutions from concept design and detailing through to manufacture and installation.
Henley has won numerous awards, including for its cast stone installations at the Royal Pavilion in Poundbury, Englemere House in Ascot and Fosseways at St George’s Hill.
Financial details of the deals were not disclosed.
NEW ERA: A management buyout has been completed at Wakefield-based Henley Construction Management Group. Pictured from left are Projects Director Jim Wenham, Managing Director of Restoration Tom Cardoe, Operations Director Jon Henley and Construction Director Dave Cawley.
Deal Teams: Henley MBO
Deal Advisory: Stephen Garbett, Liridon Gashi and Martin Miller – Azets; David Streather – Streather Consultancy
Legal Advisors: Matt Rowley and Dan Burton – Harrowells Solicitors
Debt Funding: Richard Ackers, Clare Hagon and Mark Noble – Arbuthnot Latham
Legal Advisors to the Bank: David Gledhill and Matt O’Brien – Bermans Solicitors
SCI Acquisition
Buyside Deal Advisory: Stephen Garbett, Liridon Gashi and Martin Miller – Azets
Buyside Legal Advisors: Matt Rowley and Dan Burton – Harrowells Solicitors