In this blog we look back at the 3 biggest equity investments into fast-growing UK companies of last year. And the sector spread may take you by surprise.
Motor Fuel Group – Based in St Albans, Motor Fuel Group operates petrol station convenience stores. The company, however, has changed hands a number of times. And after an initial MBO in 2012 led by Investec managed Growth & Acquisition Finance, the company underwent another MBO in June. On this occasion it was to the tune of £500m, and was led by Clayton, Dublier & Rice (CD&R).
Immunocore – Oxford-based pharma company Immunocore is another one of the Oxford University spin-outs we looked at in our latest instalment of The Deal Q3/15. The spin-out, which is developing drugs to treat cancer, viral infections, and autoimmune diseases, has raised 6 rounds of equity finance since it was founded in 2010. This summer, Immunocore secured £215m in equity from an impressive cohort of investors including CF Woodford Equity Income Fund, Eli Lillly & Co, and Malin Corporation.Â
Aston Martin  – Not just a favourite with Bond, James Bond, Stratford on Avon-based Aston Martin has completed 4 rounds of equity finance to date. In May, the company secured £200m investment from a cohort of investors including Investindustrial and Tejara Capital.Â