Tue, 28 Mar 2023 | BUSINESS SALE
UK Landscapes, a private equity-backed landscaping firm based in Cheshire, has announced its third acquisition in two years and revealed it is set to pass £20 million in turnover within the next year. The company, which was backed by Mercia in 2021, has acquired Wiltshire-based Cut N Clear (CNC) for an undisclosed sum.
Following the takeover, CNC owner Dave Gordon, who founded the company 20 years ago, will retire. The acquisition follows UK Landscapes’ takeovers of Northwich-based Mid-Cheshire Maintenance in 2021 and Glasgow firm Euan Weir Landscaping last year.
UK Landscapes was founded in 1997 and serves blue-chip clients nationwide through its own bespoke software platform, which provides clients with real time management information. The company’s customers include Aldi, Lidl, Thames Water, Marks & Spencer, Shell, Asda, John Lewis Partnership and Santander.
Since receiving backing from Mercia in 2021, the company has increased its turnover by more than 30 per cent a year to £16 million and is set to pass £20 million in turnover. The past year has also seen the company enter several new markets through contract wins. These have included maintaining 60 sites for care home group St John’s Care Trust, 50 sites for Sussex and Surrey Police and 500 sites for Progress Housing and Grand Union Housing.
Commenting on the company’s latest acquisition, UK Landscapes Managing Director Leigh Preston said: “The acquisition of CNC will strengthen our footprint in and around the South West and integrate us into the local housing sector.”
Regarding the firm’s future plans, Preston added: “With Mercia’s backing, we will continue our growth journey through a combination of acquisitions and organic growth whilst retaining our ‘family business’ ethos and continuing to directly employ 95 per cent of our delivery team.”
“We believe there is a real opportunity to disrupt the landscaping sector and create a sustainable and reliable operator offering consistently high levels of service. Our aim is to become the leading partner in the ‘green services’ sector.”
Mercia Investment Manager Alex Hirst commented: “UK Landscapes has been transformed from a family-run regional business to a national operator that is successfully competing with the big market players.”
“Leigh and his team have done a great job in driving steady growth while maintaining their eye for detail and track record for strong customer service. UK Landscapes expects to move up the ladder and increase its market share to establish itself as a leading name within the industry.”
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