Private equity manager YFM Equity Partners has completed a buy-out investment in BE Design, a Newark-based multidisciplinary built environment consultancy, using capital from its dedicated growth funds.
The transaction sees YFM take a controlling stake in the business alongside founders Anna Tsartsari and Stephen Oakden. The capital injection will fund an M&A-led buy-and-build strategy across fragmented regional technical consultancies, supported by a newly established London office.
Founded in 2013, BE Design specialises in civil, structural and geo-environmental engineering on complex brownfield sites. The firm focuses on high-growth digital and industrial infrastructure end-markets, including data centres, logistics and advanced manufacturing assets across the UK and Europe.
Following the transaction, industry veteran Richard Sanders joins the board as independent chairman to oversee buy-and-build execution and governance.
YFM deployed capital from its buyout fund vehicles, which typically invest £3m to £15m per transaction, rather than its venture capital trust (VCT) pools. The equity investment aims to accelerate organic growth in brownfield site technical diligence while building scale through bolt-on acquisitions in complementary ESG and environmental consulting niches.
Corporate finance advice to YFM was provided by Debretts, with legal counsel from Freeths. FRP Advisory performed financial due diligence, PMSI delivered commercial due diligence and Claritas advised on tax structure.
Additional buy-side diligence was completed by Leckie Kershaw for technology, Human Factor Health Check for organisational structure and Partners& for insurance. Sell-side corporate finance advice to BE Design was provided by Bishopsgate, with legal counsel from Roythornes and tax advice from Duncan and Toplis.
Tsartsari said: “We’ve spent over a decade building a business known for taking on the sites and challenges others shy away from, and we’ve done it by investing in exceptional people. YFM understood that from our first conversation, and that’s exactly why this partnership feels right.
“This investment gives us the backing to continue investing in our people, deepen our culture and push innovation further, while staying true to the way we’ve always worked. It’s a huge moment for BE Design, and I couldn’t be prouder of what this team has built and where we’re taking it next.”
Dan Freed, partner at YFM, added: “Anna and Stephen have built a consultancy with a genuine specialism – the technical capability to unlock complex sites that others can’t, in end markets with real momentum behind them.
“The quality of the team, the strength of their client relationships and the clear opportunity for organic growth, complemented by strong potential for M&A in a growing fragmented market, made this a compelling investment. We’re looking forward to working with the team on the next stage of the journey.”
