Leengate Valves

Wholesaler, stockist and distributor of industrial valves

Website

leengatevalves.co.uk

YFM investment

Undisclosed - 2.3x return

Investment date(s)

2013 - 2019

Deal type

Management Buyout

Location

Somercoates

"We were very proud to become an independent business with the help of YFM Equity Partners. Having increased our customer base in the UK and Ireland, employed additional staff to help deliver our growth, it was a pleasure working with them to achieve the realisation of their investment."

Steve Pickering, MD

Key Information

The Business

Leengate Valves is one of the UK’s largest stockists and distributors of industrial valves and pipeline products, offering over 20,000 valve products along with calibration, actuation, and engineering services. Serving sectors such as energy, water, and manufacturing, Leengate Valves is known for its extensive inventory, reliable service, and technical expertise.

Why We Invested

YFM Equity Partners invested in Leengate Valves in December 2013 to support a management buyout (MBO) from German industrial gases group Linde. The investment enabled the management team, led by Steve Pickering, Leigh Pickering, and Mick Loseby, to establish Leengate as an independent business and execute a growth strategy.

In 2019, YFM exited its investment through a secondary buyout, enabling the management team to acquire full ownership of the business.

Growth Potential

Under YFM’s ownership, Leengate Valves delivered outstanding results:

Doubled annual turnover from £6 million to £12 million.
Expanded its product range to over 20,000 valve products and introduced associated calibration and engineering services.
Increased employee numbers from 20 to over 40.
Invested in increased distribution capacity and completed a successful acquisition to further enhance its offering.

Outcome

YFM successfully exited its investment in Leengate Valves through a management buyout, delivering a solid return for investors. The MBO enables the management team to take full ownership of the business and continue its growth journey independently.