Rowan supports SRL through £300m value creation journey, from SME to medium-sized market leader
Rowan initially worked with LDC to appoint CFO, and after a period of growth, a CFO, COO/CEO & BDD matched to secondary investors, resulting in successful PE exit
Why Rowan were engaged
The business and the issue:
Traffic management systems manufacturer SRL approached Rowan to deliver a CFO and subsequent new board structure capable of taking the business into a second round of investment and scaling to become a market leader
“SRL had achieved rapid growth, but to take it to the next level, it needed to appoint a talented new leadership team that could deliver even further growth. As the CFO Founder I needed to step up to CEO to drive the strategic vision of the business”
Richard Tredwin, CEO
Our Approach
Our Team:
“Rowan understood the needs of the business and led the strategic appointment of a CFO, COO and BDD. With a strong track record in building successful, forward-thinking executive boards, the Rowan team defined a value creation plan and helped us to attract and appoint individuals who are firmly aligned with the culture of SRL”
Richard Tredwin, CEO
The Solution
Key insights and actions:
• Initial appointment of John McLaughlin as CFO
• Subsequent appointments of COO Adrian Murphy and BDD Iain McDonald
“Throughout the selection process Pete clearly matched the requirements of the business to my personal ambitions. Since my appointment I have continued to work closely with the team at Rowan to build out a senior leadership team that will bring the right mix of skills and experience to expedite our growth plans.”
John McLaughlin, CFO
Impact
Outcome:
• SRL grew from £18.4m in FY19 to £31.6m turnover
• CEO founder Richard Tredwin able to step up to NX Chairman
• CFO, COO & BDD proved to be a formidable SLT
• COO promoted to CEO
• LDC investment targets achieved
Value to customer:
• Business valued at £300m when 3i invested in 2021
• CEO founder able to spend more time out of the business and realise equity
• 3i investment driving accelerated growth plans
•Successful 5.6x ROI for private equity house LDC
“Rowan successfully appointed John, Adrian and Iain, a growth-minded and highly experienced board. They have been an enormous asset to SRL – enabling the business to achieve its ambitious growth plans, deliver a successful PE exit and subsequent majority investment by 3i.”Richard Tredwin, CEO