We’re pleased to have advised the shareholders of Laker Vent Engineering Limited, a UK based specialist in pipework, welding and mechanical engineering solutions, on the sale of the business to Groupe M, a leading French industrial engineering group.
Founded in the 1960s, family owned Lakers operates nationally from its sites in Ellesmere Port and Billingham, delivering high value mechanical and pipework projects across highly regulated sectors. The business employs around 400 people and has a turnover of more than £50 million.
The transaction sees Lakers joining Groupe M’s growing international platform, strengthening the French group’s presence in the UK and enhancing its ability to support clients across the full lifecycle of complex industrial projects. The group has 32 sites across France and 11 international locations.
Hill Dickinson advised the Ventre family shareholders on the transaction. The deal team was led by Partner Matt Noon – supported by Legal Director, Elizabeth Jones, and Associate, Nick O’Shaughnessy.
Lakers is a well established, family owned business with a strong reputation for technical expertise and delivery across complex, regulated environments. This transaction brings together two highly complementary engineering groups and provides a platform for continued investment and growth in the UK market.Matt Noon
Partner at Hill Dickinson
Michael Ventre, Co Managing Director of Laker Vent Engineering, said: “Joining Groupe M is a fantastic opportunity for Lakers. We share the same values and principles making this integration a very natural step. It will allow us to accelerate our growth while staying true to what makes us strong: our people, relationships and processes.
“On behalf of the Ventre family, I would like to thank Matt and the Hill Dickinson team for their clear, forward-thinking advice, commerciality and support throughout the process.”
Matt Noon, Corporate Partner at Hill Dickinson, said: “Lakers is a well established, family owned business with a strong reputation for technical expertise and delivery across complex, regulated environments. This transaction brings together two highly complementary engineering groups and provides a platform for continued investment and growth in the UK market.
“I have known the Ventre family for over 30 years, so it was an absolute pleasure to advise them on such an important milestone and to support them in securing the right long term partner for the business.”