Besseges, a fire protection and facilities management company based in Dukinfield, Manchester, has received a significant investment from BGF, a leading growth capital investor in the UK and Ireland. Established in 1976, Besseges specializes in fire sprinkler system installations and has expanded its services to include fire protection maintenance and facilities management for HVAC, heating, plumbing, and electrical systems.

Since its acquisition in 2022 by CEO David Prendergast and non-executive director Graham Norfolk, Besseges has experienced remarkable growth, increasing its workforce from five to 60 employees. The new funding from BGF will support the company's ongoing organic growth and enable it to explore strategic mergers and acquisitions, aiming to extend its services beyond the North West and Midlands to a national level.

CEO David Prendergast emphasized the growth potential in the active fire protection market, noting Besseges' status as one of the few LPCB Level 4 providers of commercial fire sprinkler systems. This positioning allows the company to offer comprehensive services, enhancing its competitive edge. Prendergast highlighted the success of Besseges FM, the facilities management arm, which has seen rapid growth since its inception 18 months ago, attributing this success to their commitment to delivering high-quality service.

The partnership with BGF is seen as a strategic move, providing the necessary flexible capital while allowing Besseges to maintain control over its operations. BGF impressed the management team with its experience in scaling businesses and offering value beyond financial investment.

The investment deal was led by Rhys Davenport from BGF’s North West team. As part of the agreement, Mike Brown will join Besseges' board as non-executive chair, bringing valuable experience from his previous role at BGF-backed Horbury.

Rhys Davenport expressed confidence in Besseges' growth trajectory, noting the company's impressive performance in a resilient market. He looks forward to collaborating with the management team, which has a proven track record in driving growth and returns.

Alvarez and Marsal advised Besseges' shareholders during the transaction. Jonathan Boyers from Alvarez and Marsal praised Besseges for its exponential growth under current leadership and expressed excitement about the potential for further expansion with BGF's support. He highlighted the increasing investor interest in high-potential businesses in the North West, particularly in the fire safety and facilities management sectors.

The deal reflects a broader trend of investment activity in these markets, with expectations for continued growth in the short to medium term. Alvarez and Marsal plans to leverage its expertise to support the sector's development.

Advisers involved in the deal included Alvarez and Marsal for Besseges, with legal support from Gateley and Saffrey. BGF was advised by Squire Patton Boggs.