Enrogen acquired by Visa S.p.A.
Founder’s exit generates strategic sale to Italian group
Enrogen, a well-established manufacturer of diesel generators, has been sold to a private equity-backed Italian company seeking to increase its UK presence.
Founded in 2005 by Gavin Wilkinson, with James Brown becoming an equal shareholder later in the same year, Enrogen designs, manufactures, installs and maintains generators for a diverse range of clients, including data centres and the construction and industrial sectors.
Gavin and James instructed KBS Corporate to explore strategic options for the company, which is based in Pocklington in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
In a transaction led by George Barnes, KBS Corporate Associate Director, Enrogen was acquired by Visa S.p.A. K3 Law, a sister company in the K3 Capital Group, provided sell-side legal services.
Manufacturer of the ONIS VISA generator brand, Visa is based in Fontanelle in the north east of Italy and is a portfolio company of international private equity firm H.I.G. Capital.
“The acquisition of Enrogen will allow us to further strengthen our presence in international markets, particularly in the UK, which is highly attractive in terms of size and growth, and to leverage new commercial channels for cross-selling opportunities,” said Lorenzo and Marco Barro, co-CEOs of Visa.
Raffaele Legnani, Managing Director and Head of H.I.G.’s Italian office, and Giovanni Guglielmi, Managing Director at H.I.G., commented: “With the acquisition of Enrogen, Visa continues its industry consolidation efforts, particularly at an international level. We are pleased to continue supporting the Group in its ambitious growth strategy.”
KBS Corporate’s George Barnes was delighted to bring the process to a successful conclusion and said: “It was a pleasure to work with James and Gavin on the transaction.
“The acquisition by Visa S.p.A. will allow the Enrogen team to continue to build upon the growth the sector is seeing.
“Enrogen’s track record of designing and building complex genset for critical industries is something we look forward to following.”