Member Article

Foresight invests £5 million in AmWorld Holdings Limited

• AmWorld Holdings is an international outsourced logistics services provider, differentiated by its bespoke customer services, rapid response times and overall quality
• The investment will support an MBO, led by the existing management team

London, October, 2023: Foresight Group (“Foresight”) a leading regional private equity and infrastructure investment manager, has announced a £5 million investment into AmWorld Holdings Limited (“AmWorld” or the “Company”).

AmWorld is an outsourced ‘white-glove’ logistics provider that differentiates itself through bespoke customer service, rapid response times and high quality service. The Company offers courier, freight, logistics and storage services to a loyal base of approximately 600 clients across a range of industries; with the most significant markets being video games and electronics, advertising and marketing and IT services, within the UK market and internationally.

Founded in 1986, the Company has 53 employees and operates from three locations in Colnbrook and Southampton, using its established presence around Heathrow to build trusted long-term relationships with blue-chip multinationals and global brands.

The transaction will enable the founder to transition out of the business and retire. The remaining management team is led by co-shareholder and former Head of Sales, Justin Walker. Foresight has introduced Rick Francis as Chair, who brings significant experience in the logistics sector. Alan Catchpool has joined as Finance Director, bringing operational experience alongside his financial capabilities and supporting the future strategy of the business.

The investment is also expected to increase the volume of existing services, grow its client base, expand operations at the Southampton site, and ultimately enable business growth.

Justin Walker, CEO, of AmWorld, comments: “We are delighted to be partnering with Foresight as we move into the next phase of our ambitious growth plans. The AmWorld team, bolstered by Foresight’s introductions of Rick Francis, as Chairperson, and Alan Catchpool, as Finance Director, is looking forward to helping clients execute their bespoke logistics requirements and continuing to provide exceptional service levels.”

Robert Gallagher, Senior Investment Manager at Foresight, added: “AmWorld has long-standing client relationships and a great reputation for exceptional service, which provide a great foundation for ongoing success. We look forward to working with Justin and the team during the next stage of AmWorld’s growth story.”

Foresight continues to be one of the UK’s most active investors in growth companies, having completed more than 90 investments into SMEs in 2022, alongside a number of strong exits. In the same year, Foresight’s Private Equity team announced three new funds, a ventures fund acquisition and expanded its regional office network, opening offices in Dublin and Leeds. So far in 2023, Foresight’s Private Equity division has made over 50 investments, announced a number of successful exits, and opened an office in Newcastle.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by John Robson .