NVM Private Equity exits £33 million telecoms firm Optilan

NVM Private Equity, the private equity backer of a £33m-turnover telecommunications business in Coventry has exited the company following a secondary management buyout (MBO).

NVM Private Equity initially invested in Optilan in 2008, when it backed an £18m MBO. The business is a telecommunications systems integrator providing ‘turnkey’ communication systems, from design to site commissioning and support. Since the 2008 MBO, it has expanded into the Middle East, Turkey, India and Azerbaijan and serves the energy, transport, infrastructure and industrial markets.

Optilan has been acquired by Blue Water Energy, providing a 3.1x return for NVM. It is the sixth exit by the private equity firm in 18 months.

James Arrowsmith, investment partner at NVM, commented: “We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the talented team at Optilan and seeing the business develop into a leading global telecoms solutions provider following the original buyout.”

Richard Buckland, chief executive of Optilan, added: “James and NVM have proved to be outstanding investment partners.

“They have been incredibly supportive and have used their experience and network to help us develop the capability and reach of the business since the MBO, building value for all shareholders.”

Optilan employs 175 staff in the UK and a further 42 workers internationally.

Simmons & Company International, Eversheds Sutherland and BDO advised on the deal.