Yorkshire’s First Response Group to accelerate growth with Scottish acquisition

Yorkshire’s First Response Group has acquired a fellow security and facilities management business based in Aberdeen.

First Response, headquartered in Leeds, snapped up Apardian Aberdeen for an undisclosed sum, under a plan to serve a wider area in the north of the UK.

The company was advised on the deal by partner Tony Farmer and senior corporate finance manager Stephen Garbett from Yorkshire accountants Garbutt + Elliott, along with Philip Ashworth, Matthew Smith and Grace Moreton from Andrew Jackson Solicitors

First Response Group employs more than 300 people across six regional branches. It is owned by business partners Jamal Tahlil and Edgar Chibaka.

Edgar said: “Having worked with the teams at Garbutt + Elliott and Andrew Jackson before, we didn’t hesitate to engage them to act on our behalf again, as we continue to grow our company.”

Jamil said of the acquisition: “The purchase of a well-established, complementary business will enable us to swiftly accelerate our growth as part of a wider business plan and we are thrilled with how the whole process was carried out.”

Garbutt + Elliott’s Stephen Garbett said: “There is an excellent fit between both businesses and we are pleased to have been able to, yet again, help First Response Group to grow and develop, in order to service a larger area of the country.”

Andrew Jackson partner Philip Ashworth commented: “It is a delight to work with Edgar and Jamal again and help them in the sustained growth of their group.”

Apardian was represented by Aberdeen-based accountants Hall Morrice.

Robert Bain of Hall Morrice, who acted on the deal, said: “Apardian are happy with the sale of their company and believe that they have been acquired by a solid business that can continue the ambition that Apardian has had over the years.”

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