Manchester, UK – Contollo Group Ltd, a new building consultancy group backed by the private equity firm NorthEdge, proudly announces its first acquisition, partnering with the sector-leading Manchester-based cost and project management consultancy Abacus.
Ruth Percival, CEO of Contollo, expresses her excitement about this move, stating, “We are thrilled to be partnering with the highly talented and experienced team from Abacus. Our mission is to build a market-leading, integrated building consultancy that helps our clients achieve their Net Zero ambitions in the built environment. This acquisition lays a robust foundation of experience and expertise for further acquisitions and growth.”
Ellis Goodfellow, Co-Founder of Abacus and recently appointed Chief Commercial Officer of Contollo, shares his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We have been planning the next stage of growth for Abacus over many months and have built a close working relationship with Ruth and the Contollo team. We have an ambitious growth plan and through this partnership we will be working collaboratively with other sector-leading consultancies. Mike Perry, Paul Jackson and I together with the Abacus team are excited to be part of the Contollo journey and look forward to achieving new milestones together.”
Liam May, Director at NorthEdge Private Equity added “This investment brings together a number of NorthEdge’s focus areas, Contollo is another example of a regionally-based company with national reach,; the investment strategy is highly aligned with our ESG and sustainability commitments; and Contollo represents another buy and build investment in our portfolio. We are delighted to be partnering with Ruth and Oliver to support them to deliver their ambitious growth plan over the coming years.”
Alvarez & Marsal Manchester acted on behalf of Contollo for corporate finance, Langtons provided financial and tax due diligence, Hill Dickinson provided legal support, Cortus and DWF provided financial and legal support for NorthEdge; RPG Accountants, and BBS Law acted for Abacus Cost Management.
Formed in 2007 by Ellis Goodfellow and Mike Perry, Abacus is an independent cost management consultancy offering quantity surveying, project management, and technical services, including due diligence, technical assurance, and fund monitoring to the construction sector. The business has grown steadily over the last 17 years, delivering projects throughout the UK, as well as a number of projects overseas.
Abacus has experience in numerous sectors, including multi room residential accommodation (student, BTR & hotels), sport & leisure, industrial & logistics, and commercial projects, and has collaborated with major private developers, operators, funders, and education providers.
NorthEdge is a lower mid-market private equity firm headquartered in the North, owned and built by its senior team, supported by a global blue chip investor base. They have £900m AUM across four regionally focused funds.
Headquartered in Manchester, with offices in Leeds and Birmingham, the NorthEdge team have a 25-year track record of investing in businesses with ambitious management teams and significant growth potential. Its current portfolio of 27 businesses employs over 8,000 people.
NorthEdge look to invest in like-minded businesses and management teams who have real ambition and the potential to shape global markets. They back management teams, in the Technology, Healthcare, Business Services and Specialised Industrials sectors, who recognise the value of having an experienced business partner alongside them, supporting them to build a better business.