Langcliffe International becomes employee owned

managers, Poppy Briggs ( Europe ), Maryia Amrez ( Private Equity ) , Joanna Hughes ( Corporates) and Holly Cooper ( Vendor Advisors ).

Helen commented “We have deliberately adopted a policy of growing our own talent and empowering our staff to make decisions themselves. A lot of our success is based on their ability, loyalty, and understanding and advocation of our systems which are critical”.

Langcliffe International, Europe’s leading mergers & acquisitions buy-side deal originator, has become employee owned in a transaction orga nised by Azets.

Langcliffe based in Ilkley, was set up in 2012 by Mark Eardley (managing drector) and Helen Postlethwaite (commercial director). The business employs 17 professionals and a further 5 consultants. It has grown rapidly in recent years across Europe capitalising on unrivalled relationships with vendor advisors, corporates and private equity firms. The company introduces acquisition opportunities in a value range between £3m and £100m.

The business attributes its continuing success to the trust it has developed with its vendor advisors, its unique model backed by bespoke operating systems and rapid growth in Europe from where it currently generates in excess of 50 per cent of its revenue. Further growth will come from developing in the US and Asia.

Mark is transferring 73% of his shares to the Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Under the move, all employees will benefit financially from the future success of the company and Mark and Helen will stay in the business. The EOT Board will comprise Helen chairman, Mark and Langcliffe’s four

Mark added: "Selling the company to our employees through the creation of the EOT ensures the stability of the business for the long-term and supports our desire for further international growth. This move recognises the value that our fantastic team has delivered over the years, and it is a very exciting opportunity for each individual to take a pivotal role as the business progresses. Creating a great place to work is fundamental to our business principles, and we’re very excited about the next stage of the journey."

Langcliffe International joins many well-known firms such as John Lewis, Richer Sounds, and 'Tiptree' preserve maker Wilkin & Sons in becoming employee owned. The Employee Ownership Association (EOA) says more than 1200 businesses have now adopted employee ownership and the sector has more than doubled in the past three years.

Recent converts include Go Ape, the treetop adventure company, Riverford, the organic vegetable box company and Aardman, the Bristol-based animation studio behind Wallace & Gromit.