Gerald Edelman advises Astra on Acorn MPS acquisition

Gerald Edelman has advised Astra on its acquisition of Acorn Mechanical Pipework Services Ltd (Acorn MPS). 

Acorn MPS is a provider of expert mechanical and electrical solutions in both commercial and industrial environments.

The company was founded in 1980 by Robert and Linda Jarrom and provides mechanical and electrical pipework solutions for heating and cooling projects in commercial buildings, public buildings, manufacturing, and processing plants. 

Meanwhile, Astra Holding Group is a UK-based investment firm focused on acquiring and growing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are profitable, yet face succession planning challenges by leveraging scale, capital, innovation, and digital tools. They are active within capital-light, business to business manufacturing, distribution, or service businesses in industrial sectors. 

The transaction marks the group’s second acquisition within six months. 

Gerald Edelman acted as a buy-side financial adviser, undertaking financial and taxation due diligence and providing wider buy-side advice to both Astra and the lender, Close Brothers.

William Abell, partner at Gerald Edelman, said: “It was a pleasure to advise the Astra team on their second acquisition. As with any transaction, the deal was not without its challenges and all parties should take credit for working through those and reaching a position that works for all involved. I look forward to seeing Acorn MPS grow and thrive under Astra’s ownership”.

Amit Rai and Sergey Sushentsev, co-founders of Astra Holding Group, added: “We are delighted to have completed the acquisition of Acorn MPS, marking Astra’s second acquisition and a key moment in our mission to preserve and grow profitable UK SMEs that face succession challenges. We are incredibly grateful to the Gerald Edelman team for their support during the transaction.”