KBS CORPORATE STEERS GEKU UK THROUGH MANAGEMENT BUYOUT

A management buyout has taken place at Kent-based robotic automation systems company Geku UK Ltd which was overseen by Joe Norris, KBS Corporate Associate Director.

Geku UK was formed in 1997 by John Hudson and Nigel Richardson, who between them built up several decades of experience in the robotic automation industry.

The name Geku was derived from the surnames of German pioneers Thorsten Gerling and Uwe Kusse, who designed and manufactured the Geku cartesian robot and their company then became the first robot partner for the UK enterprise.

Automation systems are supplied by Geku UK to a variety of different industries, including aerospace, medical, plastics, automotive and agricultural.

Sadly, Nigel Richardson passed away in 2022 and John Hudson embarked upon a sale of the company to facilitate his retirement plans, enlisting the help of KBS Corporate.

Following an extensive research process, synergistic acquirers in Germany were identified, while several private investors expressed serious interest in Geku UK.

However, John decided the management buyout, led by his son Gary, was the best option, with a leading priority being to ensure the retention of staff and keep disruption to a minimum.

The management team will therefore run the company going forward and plan to grow the business using their knowledge of the market, while John retains a minority shareholding but is stepping back from day-to-day involvement.

Joe Norris said: “John decided to go with the MBO as he knows and trusts the management team and would like to see them take the business forward.

“Having met the management team and advised them on the mechanics of an MBO, I think they will be excellent custodians for the business.

“The management team can now reap the benefits of their efforts and John can be assured his business is being left in good hands.”