US parent firm completes MBO at Leeds water services business

IETG Group, the Leeds-based water and wastewater specialist, has undergone a management buyout from its US parent company IDEX Corporation.

IETG and its sister company 40Seven will now become a standalone business under new parent company IETG Holdings, which will be led by managing director Ian Edwards, and finance director Richard Bond.

The MBO has been supported by funding from Bentley O-S Limited.

IETG provides clean water, wastewater, drainage and CCTV services and is a specialist in flow monitoring, while 40Seven provides specialist surveying services including utility, land and topographical surveys to users in industry, construction and the utility sector.

The group employs 150 staff across the UK, operating from offices in Leeds and Sevenoaks.

Dow Schofield Watts’ Yorkshire office provided corporate finance advice and due diligence services to IETG Holdings with legal firm Gordons providing legal advice.

Ian Edwards said: “Richard and I are delighted to have had the opportunity to complete this management-led buy-out.

“IETG and 40Seven represent great brands in their respective markets and, with Bentley O-S’ support, we very much look forward to continuing to build on the recent historical success of the business.”

A NYSE-listed corporation, IDEX is a fluidics specialist which serves high growth specialised markets.

Tony Norwood, who led the transaction on behalf of Dow Schofield Watts, said: “While IETG has had fantastic backing historically from IDEX, it’s great to see the Leeds-based business re-establish itself as an independent company again.

“Ian and Richard’s leadership combined with the support of the Bentley O-S provides the group with the ideal platform for future growth.”

Jeff Gardner and Rob McCarthy from Dow Schofield Watts’ transaction services team completed financial due diligence.

Jonathan Asquez, Duncan Firman and Lucy Leyland of Gordons in Leeds provided legal advice to IETG Holdings with Jonathan Simms and Sarah Harrison of Clarion Solicitors advising management.