Lighting up the market
BHP Corporate Finance is delighted to have acted as lead advisor to the shareholders of AC/DC LED Holdings Limited (acdc) on its sale to Zumtobel Group (Zumtobel), a €1.3bn turnover lighting products group listed on the Austrian stock exchange. Zumtobel will acquire a 60% stake in acdc with an option to purchase the remaining shares in the future.
acdc is an innovative supplier of high-end LED lighting solutions with a focus on the architectural façade and hospitality segments, having started its business with high brightness LED luminaires in 2001.
acdc’s long term CEO and majority shareholder Gareth Frankland will continue to head the brand and drive forward its dynamic development within the Zumtobel Group.
Gareth Frankland commented: “Joining the Zumtobel Group represents an important milestone for us on our path to further growth and the global development of acdc. As part of the Zumtobel Group we will benefit from a worldwide sales network and from the benefits of a global and group-wide purchasing organisation. In addition, we see technology and development synergies and I will continue to rely on the knowledge, experience and the dedication of our employees for the further development of acdc within the Zumtobel Group. Together, we will continue to dynamically drive forward the acdc brand and strengthen its position in the global lighting market.”
The BHP Corporate Finance team comprised Hamish Morrison, Amanda Waterhouse, Andy Haigh and Matt Tice. Hamish Morrison, partner, commented: “acdc is a great success story of a business that has been at the forefront of global innovation within its sector for a significant period of time. This deal represents a great fit for both parties and I am sure we will see the business continue to grow and go from strength to strength.”
This deal represents yet another successful cross border acquisition for the firm, demonstrating our strength not only throughout Yorkshire and the UK, but also on an international level.