Next stop retirement for NTS shareholders

Shareholders of North West Transport Supplies (NTS) are on a “retirement exit rundown” following the sale of the business to engineering and industrial acquisition group Amcomri.

NTS was formed in 2003 as a result of a management buyout led by Guy Woods from its parent company, Leyland Auto Electrical & Diesel. Guy took on the role of the company’s Finance Director and brought in David Calvert as Managing Director.

Twenty three years later, the duo have sold the Lancashire-based business, which specialises in the repair and overhaul of safety-critical electro-mechanical units, HVAC and pneumatic control equipment found on rail rolling stock fleets.

Along with its excellent reputation and long-standing customer relationships, the “latest development potential” of NTS appealed to Amcomri, which focuses on acquiring high-quality manufacturing and engineering SME businesses in the UK.

The sale was advised by Fabio Rambelli, KBS Corporate Associate Director. AIM Market-listed Amcomri stated in their announcement of the deal that an initial cash consideration of £3m had been paid on completion, with the remaining balance of up to £1m to be paid on a deferred basis.

In what was described as a “retirement exit rundown”, David Calvert will remain as Managing Director of NTS for two years and Guy Woods will continue as Finance Director for a period.

The acquisition enables Amcomri to further expand its portfolio and service offering within the specialist rail repair and overhaul sector, and to broaden the range of specific electromechanical services provided by its Embedded Engineering division.

“We have a strong track record of acquiring and enhancing technically specialist repair and overhaul businesses and NTS is an excellent addition to our growing group,” said Mark O’Neill, Chief Operating Officer of Amcomri.

“The acquisition of NTS further strengthens our ambitious, focused, organic and acquisitive growth strategy as we continue to roll out our proven ‘Buy, Improve, Build’ model.

“We look forward to working with David, Guy and all of the team at NTS to deliver further success.”

Written by

Jon Wilde

Senior Content Specialist

Jon Wilde is a Senior Content Specialist at KBS Corporate, specialising in business sales, mergers and acquisitions, exit planning and corporate finance. Since joining the group in 2023, he has researched and written extensively on topics including private equity, Employee Ownership Trusts, due diligence, business valuation, tax considerations and M&A market trends. Drawing on insights from experienced advisers, dealmakers and industry specialists, Jon produces research-led content for business owners and also reviews content across the website to help maintain editorial quality, accuracy and consistency.