The sale of a business, managed by Swindon corporate finance specialists Watersheds, is set to drive the future expansion of one of the world’s leading power management companies, while enabling an entrepreneur to realise his business exit ambitions.
Established in 1987, Harpenden-based Exertherm has been at the forefront of continuous thermal monitoring technology, helping organisations enhance productivity, safety, and reduce electrical downtime. With the rise of digitisation, Exertherm’s innovative solutions have harnessed the Industrial Internet of Things, positioning the company ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving sector.
Founder Ross Kennedy recognised the importance of finding a buyer who could continue the technological advancements and uphold the company’s ethos when planning his exit strategy. Exertherm prides itself on a low staff turnover, fostering a tight-knit, family-like atmosphere among its employees. Therefore, securing the right cultural fit for the new ownership was paramount for shareholders.
Kennedy sought the expertise of Watersheds to ensure a deal that aligned with the aspirations of all stakeholders. The completed transaction saw global intelligent power management company Eaton acquire Exertherm.
Eaton is renowned for manufacturing products that address urgent power management challenges across various sectors, including data centres, utilities, industrial, commercial, residential, aerospace, and mobility markets.
Ross Kennedy commented, “The time was right to exit the company, but I wanted to ensure I was handing it over to new owners capable of realising its full potential and securing our staff’s future. The advice and support from Watersheds were invaluable, achieving top value and ensuring a smooth process in selling the business to a global entity, considering the complexities of international transactions.”
Wendy Lam, Partner at Watersheds, explained, “We have worked with Exertherm for several years. Their technical expertise and industry foresight have positioned them strongly in this fast-growing market. Our deep understanding of the business and its potential buyers allowed us to identify the best strategies to maximise its value. Eaton was the ideal organisation to take over, and we are delighted to have facilitated a deal that exceeded expectations.”
The transaction was also supported by Laytons ETL for legal advice and Claritas for UK tax advice.
For more information on how Watersheds can support your business goals, visit www.watersheds.ltd.uk.
