Lancashire entrepreneur celebrates stock market deal hat-trick

A Lancashire entrepreneur is celebrating his third North West stock market deal in six months with AIM-listed IMImobile’s acquisition of Healthcare Communications UK this morning (December 7).

Mark Mills, who joined the board of the Macclesfield-based company as chairman in 2015, stood down following its multi-million pound sale.

Elsewhere in the region, Mark was chairman of Warrington pipeline inspection equipment firm Mini-Cam from 2012, until its £85m sale last month to FTSE 250 giant Halma.

Mark is currently chairman of Velocity Composites, a Burnley-based manufacturer of advanced composite products for the aerospace industry. He led on the company’s the flotation in May this year.

Discussing the deals, he said they demonstrate the enduring appetite for strong North West businesses among UK-listed firms and London-based funds – an enthusiasm he believes is growing.

Mark said: “We are fortunate that the north west is full of businesses built on firm foundations and which lead the markets in their sectors.

“It’s little wonder that they are in high demand. Currently it looks like a feeding frenzy but, in truth, only companies which are highly-prepared, present themselves extraordinarily well and have tested their business models are attracting high premiums.”

He added: “There remains a strong appetite and 2018 looks set to be very interesting. I would encourage business owners to consider the advantageous capital gains tax rate of 10% under the Entrepreneurs’ Relief scheme alongside the wall of money looking for deals.”

In addition to his work with Velocity Composites, the entrepreneur runs the Mark Mills Partnership, advising privately owned businesses on their growth strategies and efficiency improvements.

Mark continued: “I’ve had a busy year with three major transactions completed successfully, all with a stock market aspect.

“It proves that there is continued interest in north west businesses which have properly prepared themselves, using my proven process and extensive contacts, to undertake some form of transaction – be that a trade sale, private equity investment or flotation.”