The Midlands’ most impactful management buy-outs and buy-ins of 2024, as ranked by Insider Media

These are the ten biggest management buyout and buy-in deals completed in the Midlands during 2024, according to unique data from Experian and Insider's editorial team.

It was a year in which, according to the business information giant, there were a total of 44 MBOs, MBIs and "bimbo" (buy-in management buyout) transactions in the region.

1. Replay Maintenance

How much: £6.5m

Where: Long Bennington, Lincolnshire

When: 7 November

Background: Replay specialises in maintaining synthetic sports surfaces, including athletics tracks, 3G pitches, tennis courts, and hockey pitches. It has serviced major events such as the 2012 London Olympics and last two Commonwealth Games. Managing director Nick Harris, who has been with the company since 2012, led the buyout alongside Amy Hart, Tony Aitchison, and Sean Cook. The deal will enable Replay to expand its client base, pursue opportunities, and consolidate its position as market leader.

Financiers and investors: YFM Equity Partners.

2. Midbrook Group

How much:£4.4m cash.

Where: Derby

When: 29 October

Background: Midbrook makes bespoke steel buildings. Management acquired the manufacturer of bespoke steel buildings for £4.4m in cash.

Adviser: Flint Bishop.

3. Utility Management Group

How much: £3.75m

Where: Ilkeston, Derbyshire

When: 30 September

Background: The business, which operates as Trust Utility Management, was formed in 2006. It provides maintenance and installation services to the utility sector, with clients such as Severn Trent Water, Western Power Distribution, SSE, National Grid and VIA. It emloys 135 people.

Advisers: Flint Bishop; Hill Dickinson.

4.Stratford Energy Solutions

How much: £3.5m

Where: Stratford-upon-Avon

When: 1 February

Background: Stratford, a solar energy specialist established in 2010, installs and maintains solar panels, energy storage solutions, and EV charging points, mainly in the Midlands. The MBO will form the core of a "buy and build strategy" as Stratford looks to buy companies offering green energy solutions, such as remote monitoring and energy management.

Financiers and investors: Triple Point Investment Management; Altimapa Capital.

Advisers: Bannister Ventures. Ellacotts, 458.Law

5. Willover Property

How much:£2.45m

Where: Derby

When: 27 March

Background: Willover runs two long established care homes in Derby - Stanley House and Abbeydale - that provide for a wide range of medical conditions, reduced mobility, and cognitive decline

Advisers: Flint Bishop; PKF Smith Cooper.

6. Richard Lang & Son

How much: £1.75m

Where: Derby

When: 9 October

Background: Richard Lang's was set up in 1949, trading cuckoo clocks imported from Germany. It grew to provide toys, home decor and celebratory gifts for small, independent gift shops. However 15 years ago it underwent a significant transformation, focusing on home decor and seasonal gifting designed in-house.

7. Salamanda Building Services

How much:£1.6m

Where: Alfreton

When: 23 September

Background: Salamanda is a building services contractor, specialising in mechanical services, including sprinkler/fire hydrant and gas services, air-con, heating, ventilation, solar hot water, rainwater harvesting, controls, and public health services

Advisers: Flint Bishop.

8. Johnson Tiles

How much: £1m, with additional performance-based payments.

Where: Stoke-on-Trent

When: 25 April

Background: A team led by managing director Stephen Dixon acquired Johnson Tiles from Norcross. As the deal was announced Johnson announced it was closing its Tunstall manufacturing facility, affecting more than 100 jobs, as it moved to a fully outsourced business model.

Advisers: DWF; Corpfin.

9. Willows Sports Centre

How much:£1m

Where: Derby

How much: £1m

When: 28 June

Background: Willows is a sports centre operator based in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter

.Advisers: Bradley and Jefferies; Flint Bishop.

10. PCS Motor Factors

How much:£700,000

Where: Chesterfield

When: 1 October

Background: Founded by Paul Towns in 1978 PCS is a car parts retailer that has been supplying from Clay Cross, and in recent years from a second branch in Derby.

Advisers: Flint Bishop.