KBS Corporate Finance Oversaw the Acquisition of Review Display Systems

Review Display Systems, IQRF UK Limited and GSRG Limited design manufacture and supply electronic display, embedded and IoT systems, operating internationally from South East England. RDS commenced trading in 1982, quickly establishing itself within its sector and building up lasting relationships with clients. As the Group continued to expand, it cultivated an exceptional reputation across multiple sectors and achieved multiple accreditations, demonstrating its high standard of service.

Having built the business for several decades the shareholders of RDS, Russell Gilbert and Graham Smith, approached KBS Corporate with the sale of their business. Their goal was to realise some of their value after years of effort in building the business and seek investment to drive it to the next stage of growth.

During initial discussions, it became apparent that the protection of staff and the health of the business moving forwards, was important to the shareholders.

The Group drew interest from UK and overseas trade and private equity buyers, attracting 106 interested parties in total. KBS Corporate was able to produce a competitive bidding environment with Volex PLC producing the successful offer.

Volex PLC has established itself as a leader in integrated manufacturing services and power products, through a combination of organic and acquisitive growth. The acquisition of RDS brings both new and complementary customers to Volex. RDS will be integrated within GTK UK and will retain its existing brand identity and management structure.

John Morath, Managing Director of GTK UK, stated, “The integration of Review Display Systems will strengthen our combined design and engineering capabilities, increase our share in the display marketplace and advance our position in the IoT solutions space. Both our organisations pride ourselves on our engineering expertise, ability to provide custom solutions for OEMs and excellent customer service.”

Russell Gilbert, Managing Director of Review Display Systems, said, “GTK and Review Display Systems have a remarkably similar approach to business. We are both strongly engineering led organisations. Becoming part of GTK and the Volex group provides a sound financial platform to accelerate market growth.”

Joe Norris, Associate Corporate Director at KBS Corporate Finance, advised RDS throughout the process.