Safetynet Scotland

Creating value while securing the right future for a specialist consultancy

Founded by Craig and Jackie Cooper in 2006, Safetynet Scotland has developed a strong reputation for delivering bespoke health and safety and management consultancy services to organisations across Scotland.

The Aberdeen-based business also provides fire risk assessments and emergency planning services, supporting clients across sectors including engineering, hospitality, transportation, agriculture and plant hire.

Over almost two decades, Craig and Jackie built a business founded on long-standing client relationships, technical expertise and a highly personal approach to service.

As they began considering the next chapter for the business, the shareholders wanted to realise the value they had created while identifying a partner capable of supporting Safetynet’s continued growth.

The transaction also provided an opportunity to support their longer-term succession plans, including an earlier exit route for Jackie while providing a clear path for Craig to remain involved in the future development of the business.

 “From our earliest conversations with JMG, it was clear there’s a strong alignment in terms of culture, philosophy and approach.

“Joining the group let us continue delivering the service our clients value, while giving them access to additional services and expertise. We’re excited about what’s coming next.”

Craig Cooper, Owner, Safetynet Scotland

Creating competitive tension to maximise value

The shareholders instructed KBS Corporate to explore the market and identify an acquirer that could deliver the right combination of value, cultural fit and future growth opportunities.

Dylan Bennett, Deal Executive at KBS Corporate, led the transaction, supported by Anthony Hacking, Research Analyst, who helped identify JMG Group as a potential strategic acquirer.

The marketing process generated strong interest, with four offers ultimately received from a combination of trade and investment-focused buyers.

Two trade buyers emerged as the frontrunners, creating a competitive bidding process that significantly increased the value available to the shareholders. The final deal delivered a substantial uplift from the initial offer, including an increase of approximately £300,000 in guaranteed consideration, alongside more favourable secondary payment terms.

The competitive process gave the shareholders the opportunity to carefully assess the different options available while ensuring the final outcome reflected the strength of the business and its future potential.

“I had the pleasure of working with KBS Corporate and in particular my assigned corporate executive Dylan Bennett to help with the sale of my business, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the results.

“Their approach was strategic and they provided valuable guidance throughout the entire process. Thanks guys for your efforts – we were able to find a buyer who was a perfect fit for my company.”

Craig Cooper, Owner, Safetynet Scotland

Balancing value with the right long-term partner

While achieving the right value was an important priority for the shareholders, finding a buyer that would protect Safetynet’s culture and client relationships was equally important.

JMG Group emerged as the preferred acquirer, combining a strong offer with a clear understanding of the shareholders’ priorities and a compelling vision for the future of Safetynet.

The transaction process was relatively smooth, although careful management was required to ensure all parties remained aligned as the different components of the deal were negotiated.

KBS Corporate provided ongoing commercial advice throughout the process, helping the shareholders understand the structure and implications of the transaction while keeping negotiations focused on achieving the best overall outcome.

The competitive process also gave KBS Corporate and the shareholders a clear understanding of the market value of the business, providing confidence when negotiating the final terms.

JMG’s approach also gave the shareholders confidence in the future, with opportunities to meet other business owners who had previously joined the group and hear about their experiences of working with JMG.

This helped Craig and Jackie understand how the group supports its businesses and provided reassurance that JMG was the right partner to take Safetynet forward.

“We had an excellent experience working with Dylan Bennett at KBS Corporate. From start to finish, Dylan was proactive, professional and incredibly supportive. He helped find the right buyer and guided us through the entire sale process, which was completed smoothly in just six months.”

Jackie Cooper, Owner, Safetynet Scotland

Expanding JMG’s health and safety and compliance capabilities

JMG Group is a leading insurance broking group comprising a diverse portfolio of specialist and niche businesses.

The acquisition of Safetynet Scotland expands the group’s health and safety and compliance offering in Scotland, while providing Safetynet with access to additional resources, expertise and opportunities to support its future development.

For Safetynet, joining JMG enables the business to retain the service standards and client relationships that have been central to its success while giving customers access to a wider range of complementary services.

The transaction also creates opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration across the wider group, supporting the continued development of the business while allowing the existing leadership team to remain involved.

For Craig and Jackie, the deal delivers a successful outcome from the business they have spent almost two decades building, while providing a strong platform for future growth and a clearer route for succession planning.

“Safetynet Scotland is committed to looking after clients properly and building relationships that last, with an experienced team, respected reputation and leadership that cares about its people and customers.

“We remain focused on supporting businesses as they grow, while allowing them to retain the identity and service standards that made them successful in the first place. We are delighted to welcome Safetynet Scotland to the group.”

Nick Houghton, CEO, JMG Group