Disposal heralds new chapter for Yorkshire entrepreneur
Based in Wath-upon-Dearne, Lightmain Leisure is one of the UK’s leading designers and manufacturers of playground and outdoor leisure equipment. Its workforce of around 40 employees produce and sell a range of products including all weather multi-use games areas (MUGAS), skate parks, playground equipment, shelters and street furniture.
The buy-out sees sales director Trevor Lafferty and his team acquire a majority shareholding in the business.
Lightmain was founded by Yorkshire entrepreneur Gary Beresforde in 1991 and initially focused on the manufacture and design of highly durable steel structures for the engineering and construction sectors. Recognising the growing importance of the leisure sector, the company subsequently expanded its operations to supply the outdoor sports and recreation markets.
Commenting on the deal, Gary Beresforde said “I am very proud of what we have achieved in establishing Lightmain Leisure as one of the leading UK suppliers in its niche and I wish Trevor and his team the very best of luck as they take the business onto the next stage. With the leisure division in safe hands, I am looking forward enormously to focusing on growing the construction and engineering business and developing my other interests.”
BHP Ingram Forrest Corporate Finance acted as lead advisor to the vendor. Partner, David Forrest said “We have worked with Gary and his team on a number of projects over recent years and are delighted to have advised on the disposal of Lightmain Leisure. It is also particularly pleasing to have been involved in a transaction which has a truly regional flavour to it with the business, the funders and the advisors all being based in Yorkshire. This deal caps a very busy first quarter of 2010 for the BHP Ingram Forrest team which has seen us advise on a number of substantial, high quality transactions.”