Deal Summary

Client location:

Nailsworth, Gloucestershire

Acquirer:

Dalcour Maclaren

Sector:

Engineering

Sub-sector:

Surveying and Geospatial Services

Geomap

By

Debbie Colley

Last updated

4 min read

Building surveying equipment on a construction site with a construction worker in a high vis jacket in the background

A respected provider of high-accuracy surveying and geospatial data to UK water, wastewater and infrastructure companies.

Founded and incorporated by Charles Potten in 2003, Geomap is a specialist provider of high-accuracy surveying and geospatial data to water and wastewater companies across the UK.

The business delivers a comprehensive range of services, including topographic, utility and drainage surveys, alongside laser scanning, 3D modelling and photogrammetry.

Geomap’s survey-grade data supports the design, construction and asset management of complex infrastructure projects, with the business having built a strong reputation for technical expertise and high-quality service within the utilities and infrastructure sectors.

After more than two decades of building and growing the company, Charles was ready to explore his exit and secure the financial rewards from the business he had created, while ensuring Geomap had a strong future under new ownership.

 “I recently worked with Will Griffiths at KBS Corporate to sell my company, and I’m really glad I chose them. Will was professional from day one, super knowledgeable about the whole process, and he managed to get us a solid deal with a really good buyer that I’m happy with.

“Selling a business is a big, emotional thing, and having someone like him in your corner makes a huge difference.”

Charles Potten, Owner, Geomap

Advising on a successful exit and negotiating a complex transaction

Charles instructed KBS Corporate to advise on the sale of Geomap, with the objective of securing a successful exit following more than 20 years at the helm of the business.

Will Griffiths, Deal Executive at KBS Corporate, led the transaction, identifying and securing the right buyer while negotiating proactively on behalf of the client to achieve the best possible outcome.

The transaction proved complex, with significant time and effort required to agree the mechanics of the earn-out arrangement. KBS Corporate remained closely involved throughout the negotiations, working through the various terms and ensuring the client’s interests remained protected as the deal progressed.

The process also required further negotiations on specific terms in the period leading up to completion. Despite the challenges involved, KBS Corporate’s persistence and expertise ultimately helped the parties reach an agreement and successfully complete the transaction.

“In the end, we got across the line with a result I’m pleased with, and a lot of that credit goes to Will’s persistence and expertise.

“I’d happily recommend KBS Corporate – and especially Will – to anyone thinking about selling. Thanks again, Will.”

Charles Potten, Owner, Geomap

Finding the right buyer for a specialist surveying business

Dalcour Maclaren emerged as the ideal acquirer for Geomap, providing a strong strategic fit between two businesses operating across the utilities and infrastructure sectors.

KBS Corporate identified Dalcour Maclaren as a suitable buyer and worked to negotiate the transaction to secure the best possible terms for the client.

The acquisition provided an opportunity for Geomap’s specialist surveying capabilities to become part of a larger organisation with complementary expertise and an established presence within the sector. The strategic fit between the two businesses also meant Geomap could continue to build on its existing capabilities while benefiting from Dalcour Maclaren’s wider scale and access to major infrastructure programmes.


“Geomap’s specialist land surveying expertise is a fantastic addition to our service offering.

“Geomap is already working with many of our clients and bringing it into the team means we can support those clients even better with their challenging programmes and projects.

“This marks an exciting new chapter in our growth, adding even more technical strength to help drive the utilities and infrastructure sector forward.”

James Neil, CEO, Dalcour Maclaren

Strengthening Dalcour Maclaren’s surveying capabilities

For Dalcour Maclaren, the acquisition adds specialist land surveying expertise to its existing land and access services, enabling the business to offer clients a more seamless surveying solution.

Geomap already worked with many of Dalcour Maclaren’s clients, making the acquisition a natural extension of the group’s existing service offering and providing opportunities to strengthen relationships with customers working on complex infrastructure programmes.

“Joining Dalcour Maclaren allows us to build on the surveying expertise and standards we are known for, while applying that capability at greater scale across major infrastructure programmes in all sectors.

“We are excited to become part of a business with a strong focus on utilities and water, working on projects that make a real difference to network resilience and environmental outcomes.”

Charles Potten, Owner, Geomap

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