TLT advises Detectortesters on high-value acquisition

TLT has advised Detectortesters (No Climb Products Ltd.), the world-leader in the design and manufacture of fire detector testing equipment and a three-times winner of the Queen’s Award for enterprise, on its high-value buyout by Inflexion Private Equity Partners.

Detectortesters is a global pioneer with upwards of 100 members of staff and sales in over 130 countries. Its solutions are used around the world by fire professionals and in the last six years, it has experienced over a 120% growth in international sales.

Inflexion’s investment will further accelerate the company’s international growth, notably in rapidly expanding geographies such as China. Inflexion will also support Detectortesters’ management team in continuing to drive product innovation, sustainability and sales.

As part of the deal, TLT and its partner firm in the US also advised on the acquisition of Systems Distributors, Inc., a US distributor of the group’s products, laying the ground for significant growth in North America.

The TLT team was led by head of corporate Andrew Webber, supported by a transaction team that included corporate colleagues Nicole Spurling, Joanna Groves, Jessie Cockhill and David James, tax partner Mark Braude and legal director Andree Parker, and corporate banking solicitor Georgia Bew.

Bill Rossiter, chairman at Detectortesters, says: “We’ve built a successful global business for over 30 years and are keen for it to keep expanding, both globally and within the UK. Inflexion’s expertise and resources will help the ongoing management to cement Detectortester’s place as the leader in the field of fire detector testing technology.

“The transaction was complex, with a lot of moving parts and extremely tight timescales, but TLT handled the work flawlessly and their advice to us was invaluable. TLT has been a trusted adviser of ours for over 10 years and has always provided a first-rate service throughout our various growth stages, and this deal – our most significant to date – was no different.”

Andrew Webber, partner and head of corporate at TLT, adds: “It was a pleasure to be involved in such a significant deal – one that will not only be pivotal for Detectortesters and its future growth but it being the culmination in the succession plan enabling the management team that Bill has worked with to take on an established business with new investment. With such a major and complex investment, we were able to mobilise our full-service team and international network to support Detectortesters on all aspects of the deal, both in the UK and the US.

“With the economy rebounding strongly in 2021, we have seen significant levels of deal-making across our national team. The strong private equity interest in UK businesses is especially encouraging, with opportunities for sellers and investors alike, and investor appetite showing no signs of abating.”

TLT’s corporate team was also recently recognised for advising on both Deal of the Year and Small Deal of the Year at the South West Dealmakers Awards 2021 and has been highly ranked in the legal industry’s independent Legal 500 directory.