The Business
APS is a manufacturer, fabricator and distributor of panel and framing products for commercial, residential and industrial buildings in the UK, continental Europe and the USA. APS sells a number of well-established, own brands including a unique composite stone panel product and two panel framing systems, whilst also distributing a range of third-party panels.
The Deal
APS was previously a division of a UK building products group. Chiltern backed the incumbent management team comprised of Craig Chivers (Managing Director) and Pete Brough (Head of UK & Europe). As part of the transaction, Chiltern invested additional capital to support planned development capex and working capital.
“Chiltern supported us with a blend of challenge, advice and assistance. They understood our vision for the business and shared our views that with a strong investment programme, this represents a fantastic opportunity to significantly drive forward a British manufacturer both domestically and internationally”
Craig Chivers, Managing Director, Architectural Panel Solutions
The Plan
Following several years as a non-core asset of a larger group with other strategic priorities and limited senior management focus, APS now has an opportunity to grow quickly in a large international market experiencing long-term structural growth, driven by targeted investment, product development, more aggressive sales efforts, and strengthened and focused management.