Global alternative investment firm Investcorp has announced a definitive agreement to acquire a majority stake in Smart Managed Solutions, a fast-growing UK provider of mechanical and electrical (M&E) facilities management services. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed, but Smart’s co-founders will retain a significant minority stake in the business.
Quick Facts
- Acquires majority stake in UK’s Smart Managed Solutions.
- Smart’s annual revenue exceeds £100 million.
- Deal supports Smart’s UK expansion via growth and M&A.
Tapping a High-Growth UK Market
Founded in 2017, London-based Smart specialises in critical M&E maintenance for HVAC, electrical, fire, water, and gas systems. The company has carved out a niche serving high-quality commercial office buildings and technical sectors like life sciences, education, and digital infrastructure.
With a data-led delivery model and strong relationships with blue-chip clients, Smart has seen impressive growth, generating over £100 million in revenue and achieving over 30% annual organic growth in recent years. This performance is driven by rising demand for reliable, mission-critical facilities management in a large and fragmented UK market.
Investcorp’s Blueprint for Expansion
Under Investcorp’s ownership, Smart is set to accelerate its growth trajectory. The strategy includes a combination of continued organic growth and a targeted M&A plan to enter new markets and regions across the UK. Investcorp will also focus on investing in Smart’s technology and further professionalising the organisation.
“Smart represents a compelling opportunity to invest in a high-quality business operating in a large, resilient and growing market,” said José Pfeifer, Head of European Private Equity Buyouts at Investcorp. “Its strong track record, differentiated offering, and position in mission-critical services, provide a solid foundation for further expansion.”
Owen Li, Managing Director at Investcorp, added, “We are excited to partner with Smart, its founders and management team at this exciting stage of growth. Having built a strong relationship, we are aligned on a clear vision for the business and look forward to working closely together to scale the platform.”
Founders Welcome Next Growth Chapter
The acquisition marks a new phase for the UK-based company, with its leadership team expressing optimism about the partnership.
“Smart has built a strong reputation for service quality and customer delivery, supported by an outstanding team,” said Lee Bainbridge and Alex Wilkin, Co-Founders of Smart. “We are excited to partner with Investcorp as we enter the next phase of growth, benefiting from their experience in supporting founder-owned businesses and scaling platforms in this sector.”
Lee Metcalfe, CEO of Smart, commented, “Their strategic support and sector expertise will enable us to further strengthen our offering, invest in our capabilities, including technology, and pursue new opportunities across the UK market.”
This deal strengthens Investcorp’s portfolio of UK investments and highlights its focus on essential service businesses, complementing its global investments in companies like RESA Power in the US and Kee Safety in the UK.
About Investcorp
Investcorp is a global investment manager specializing in alternative investments across four asset classes: Private Equity, Real Assets, Credit, and Liquid Strategies. Since its inception in 1982, the firm has focused on generating attractive returns for its clients. Today, Investcorp manages approximately $62 billion in assets and has 14 offices in the US, Europe, GCC, and Asia.
About Smart Managed Solutions
Smart is an innovative Hard FM provider redefining the building maintenance services sector through a data-driven and energy-conscious approach. Their technology-first model merges predictive, data-driven maintenance with intelligent energy management to reduce downtime, extend asset life, and lower operational costs while helping customers achieve their ESG commitments.
Source: Zawya
