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 advice and assistance. They understood our vision for the business and shared our views but also challenged us to be more ambitious with our growth plans to significantly drive forward a British manufacturer both domestically and internationally.”
Craig Chivers, APS MD
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.