Posts Tagged ‘merger and acquisition’

Lawrence Stephens advises Scutum on strategic acquisition of Black Box Group

Posted on: July 11th, 2025 by Alanah Lenten

Lawrence Stephens has advised global security and fire protection provider Scutum UK & Ireland on its acquisition of Black Box Group, a leading integrated fire and security solutions provider based in the Northwest of England.

Founded over 45 years ago, Black Box Group delivers end-to-end fire and electronic security services including system design, installation, maintenance, and 24/7 monitoring. The group comprises Black Box Security Alarm Systems (BBS), INS (Integrated Network Systems), and ESI (Electronic Security Installations), and serves clients across sectors such as education, healthcare, defence, and commercial property.

The acquisition, completed in tandem with a second,  significantly strengthens Scutum’s regional presence in the Northwest, complementing its existing fire detection capabilities and enhancing its strategic account offering across the UK.

The Lawrence Stephens team was led by Corporate and Commercial Head Jeff Rubenstein, supported by Tax Director Leigh Sayliss, Senior Associates Harshita Samani and Krysha Hunt, and Solicitors Avni Patel, Becci Collins and Carla Bernstein.

Jeff Rubenstein commented: “We are delighted to have supported Scutum, a long standing and valued client for Lawrence Stephens, on this important strategic acquisition. The integration of Black Box Group marks a significant step in Scutum’s UK growth strategy, and we are proud to have played a role in bringing this deal to completion. It was a pleasure working with the Scutum team. Their collaborative approach was greatly appreciated and we look forward to supporting them on future transactions”

Richard Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Scutum UK & Ireland, added: “We are extremely grateful to the team at Lawrence Stephens for their expert guidance and commitment throughout the transaction. Their commercial insight and responsive approach were instrumental in helping us complete this important acquisition efficiently and effectively.”

 

Lawrence Stephens advises the Compliance Group on the acquisition of Electrical Test Midlands

Posted on: November 18th, 2024 by Natasha Cox

Lawrence Stephens is delighted to have advised The Compliance Group on the acquisition of Electrical Test Midlands (ETM), a leading specialist in electrical testing and compliance with over two decades of expertise.

Established in 2019, the Compliance Group is a leading integrated provider of safety and regulatory compliance services across electrical, fire and water. They help their clients to reduce risk, improve safety and assure regulatory compliance in a wide range of sectors.

The Group, one of the Ansor portfolio of companies, has become one of the UK’s leading compliance businesses through a combination of organic growth and acquisition. This is the Group’s fourth acquisition in 2024, following the earlier acquisitions of CT Fire Protection, Fire Safe Services and Intersafe. Lawrence Stephens is proud to have advised on all these transactions.

The team was led by Managing Director Steven Bernstein, with assistance from solicitors Isobel Moran and Carla Bernstein.

Phil Campion, Managing Director of Compliance Group Electrical, said of the deal: “ETM brings an exceptional level of technical skill, a commitment to customer service, as well as shared values of responsibility and sustainability. We are excited to welcome them into Compliance Group’s Electrical Division and further strengthen our position in the electrical safety and testing space and offer more comprehensive services to our clients across multiple sectors.