Stewart Group Sector: Business Services Date of investment: Nov 2006 Date of exit: Jul 2011 Return: 3.6x invested capital CBPE contact: Sean Dinnen The proof “I would like to thank CBPE who have been a supportive investor throughout Stewart Group’s journey over the last five years. ALS Group is an excellent strategic partner and a market leader in our sector – the combination of ALS and Stewart Group represents a truly global force as an integrated service provider to the minerals industry.” John Notman-Watt, Managing Director of Stewart Group Making a good business better Adding value for Stewart Group The opportunity Through a network of wholly-owned subsidiaries and affiliates in over 50 countries, Stewart Group provides independent verification of the quantity and quality of commodity shipments, and also assesses samples for mining exploration. The group’s business is focused on two main commodity areas: metals and minerals; and coal and solid fuels. We identified an opportunity to acquire the business from its founder and work with an enhanced management team to drive expansion through a combination of organic growth, acquisitions and operational improvements. The strategy Following the acquisition, we strengthened the management team by appointing John Notmann-Watt as Managing Director and Chris Fisher as Finance Director, both of whom had worked for the company for a period prior to our investment. Together, we created an ambitious value creation plan to grow the business organically and via acquisitions, while improving the group’s operational efficiency at the same time. This plan included significant investments in systems and people, bringing new standards of professionalism to the business. We also invested €10m in testing facilities, including geochemical facilities in Russia and Mongolia, as well as a new laboratory in Kazakhstan. In addition, Stewart Group acquired five complementary businesses in Europe, North America and Africa, which enhanced its global coverage and service offering. The result Under our ownership, Stewart Group experienced substantial growth. We realised our investment through a sale of the business to ALS Group, a subsidiary of Campbell Brothers Limited which is listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. The investment generated a 3.6x return on invested capital. Previous All case studies Next Get in touch We’re not silent investors, we’d like to talk and find out more about you. If you feel the same, please get in touch. Contact T +44 (0)20 7065 1100 enquiries@cbpecapital.com Location CBPE Capital LLP 2 George Yard London EC3V 9DH Media enquiries Peter Ogden Powerscourt Phone: +44 (0)20 7250 1446 Email: Peter.Ogden@powerscourt-group.com Copyright © 2021 CBPE Capital LLP. All rights reserved. CBPE Capital is committed to conform with the Walker guidelines. CBPE Capital LLP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Privacy Policy. Legal. Make an enquiry Name Email Message Send