CKF Systems

Smith & Williamson advises on management buy-out of CKF Systems

The Bristol office of Smith & Williamson, the financial and professional services firm, has advised on the management buy-out of Quedgeley based CKF Systems.

Bryan Wheeler and Paul Swift have been joint shareholders of CKF since 1995. The business is a designer and installer of robotic product handling and automation systems for a largely blue-chip client base across sectors including food, pharmaceutical and automotive.

The transaction ensures continuation of the current development path of the company and provides the established management team with an opportunity to capitalise on the well-invested base during a period when automation of production facilities is at the forefront of the minds of their customers. Paul Swift will continue with the business as a shareholder and member of the management team.

Iain Lownes, partner, and Ronan Brophy from Smith & Williamson’s Corporate Finance team were lead financial advisors on the transaction.

Iain Lownes commented: “CKF entered 2020 with an impressive order book and the spread of COVID-19 has accelerated the adoption of robotics and automation worldwide. This transaction leaves the company in prime position to work with its impressive client base in the shift towards the ultimate goal of smart factories, where monitoring and maintenance can be carried out by a workforce based at home.”

For further information please contact:

Iain Lownes
T: +44 (0)117 376 2239
E: Iain.Lownes@smithandwilliamson.com

DISCLAIMER
By necessity, this briefing can only provide a short overview and it is essential to seek professional advice before applying the contents of this article. This briefing does not constitute advice nor a recommendation relating to the acquisition or disposal of investments. No responsibility can be taken for any loss arising from action taken or refrained from on the basis of this publication. Details correct at time of writing.

Smith & Williamson Corporate Finance Limited
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