Livingstone advises Fagerhult on the acquisition of Designplan Lighting Ltd.

Livingstone has acted as financial adviser to Fagerhult in the acquisition of Designplan. Designplan has 180 employees and manufactures luminaires and lighting solutions for harsh environments that require robust products, for example in public transportation. The company has revenues of approximately GBP 11m with profitability in line with the average in the Fagerhult Group. To further strengthen Fagerhult’s position on the British market and to create a new product segment for the international market, Fagerhult has acquired 100 percent of the shares in Designplan Lighting Ltd (“Designplan”), based in Sutton, United Kingdom.

The acquisition will have a positive effect on earnings per share from 2011 and onwards. Fagerhult pays GBP 10m (cash- and debt free) for 100 percent of the shares, with a potential earn-out of up to GBP 2m.

“Our strategy is to become a clear leader in the European lighting industry. With this acquisition we will further strengthen our operations on the important British market. Designplan is a significant British manufacturer with a leading position within its segment. Designplan’s product offering and expertise is a perfect fit to Fagerhult’s existing product portfolio and will enable us to increase Designplan’s international sales,” comments Paul Barton, Regional Manager UK, Ireland and the Middle East.

“We have been working as adviser to Fagerhult for many years on Swedish and international acquisitions and divestments. The transaction proves our international capability, where we together with our UK based colleagues have been able to offer Fagerhult local presence, knowledge and an integrated project management,” comments Thomas Karlsson, Partner at Livingstone.