Ardenton Capital invests in PP Control and Automation

Canadian private equity firm Ardenton Capital Corp has invested in PP Control and Automation, a U.K. outsourced equipment and machine maker specializing in control and automation solutions.

No financial terms were released. Ardenton partnered with PP Control Managing Director Tony Hague, who will become CEO. David Fox, who founded the company in 1967, will become chairman.

Walsall, West Midlands-based PP Control serves a range of global original equipment manufacturers. Allan Dunn, an Ardenton director of strategic development, will work with the company to implement the investor’s operating system and support growth.

PRESS RELEASE

Ardenton Announces Equity Investment in PP Control & Automation

July 3, 2018

Ardenton Capital Corporation is pleased to announce its strategic partnership and equity investment in PP Control and Automation (“PP Control”). This transaction represents Ardenton’s thirteenth investment and its second in the United Kingdom.

Established in 1967 and headquartered in Walsall, West Midlands, UK, PP Control is an outsourced equipment and machine manufacturer that has grown to become one of the world’s leading providers of control and automation solutions. Traditionally focused on the manufacture of electrical control panels, over the years PP Control has developed to offer wider and more specialist services. Key areas of expertise now include cable harnesses, electronic assembly, electrical control panels, electro pneumatic systems, electro mechanical assembly and machine building.

PP Control has an established blue-chip customer base, supporting clients’ manufacturing needs across the globe.

Tony Hague, long-standing managing director of PP Control, has become a significant shareholder in the business as part of the transaction, and will become chief executive officer, while founder David Fox will take the role of chairman. Commenting on the partnership, Tony said:

“We knew from the very first meeting with Ardenton that its differentiated approach to sustained investment, with no intention to divest, perfectly aligned itself to the way we do business and will ensure we deliver on our ambitious expansion plans.”

Iain Marlow, Director, Private Equity at Ardenton, who led the investment process alongside fellow Director Michael Bradbury, commented: “PP Control & Automation is a great example of a world class UK manufacturer exporting its services and products all over the globe.”

“We are exceptionally proud to have the opportunity to partner with Tony and his management team to help take the business into its next phase of growth and ensure the business continues to be a leading light of West Midlands industry.”

Supporting the partnership between Ardenton and PP Control is Director, Strategic Development, Allan Dunn. Based in the firm’s Manchester office, Allan is ideally located to oversee the implementation of the Ardenton Operating System (“AOS”) at PP Control. He is looking forward to working closely with David, Tony and the rest of the team, to capitalize on the many growth opportunities available to the firm.

About Ardenton Capital Corporation: Ardenton is a global private business investment corporation, focused on meaningful business partnerships and long-term growth. Investing alongside passionate owners and management teams, Ardenton acquires controlling stakes in profitable, well-established, cash-flowing private businesses. Ardenton works to remove constraints for its business partners and provides operating and financial support with a long-term view on value creation. Ardenton has offices in Canada (Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Guelph), the United States (Dallas, Philadelphia, Chicago) and the United Kingdom (Manchester, London). For more information, please visit www.ardenton.com.

About PP Control and Automation: Based in Walsall, West Midlands, UK, PP Control is one of the world’s leading providers of control and automation solutions. With over 200 employees, the company supports a global network of customers with their manufacturing needs in the UK, Europe, Asia and North America. For more information, please visit www.ppcanda.com

For more information, please contact:

Investor Services
Tel. +1 (866) 811 – 2888
investorservices@ardenton.com