Global supply chain management provider secures Equistone investment

Equistone Partners Europe Limited (“Equistone”), the European mid-market private equity investor, today announces its investment in global supply chain management provider Ligentia. The financial terms of the investment are undisclosed.

Founded in 1996 by group CEO Nick Jones, Ligentia has a team of 400+ professionals across 25 locations worldwide. The firm manages the international freight and supply chains for some of the world’s leading retailers, consumer brands and healthcare providers.

Ligentia recorded revenues of c. £300m in 2020, representing strong year-on-year growth which is expected to continue.

The investment from Equistone, with its pan-European network of offices, will support Ligentia in delivering its ambitious growth plans through strategic acquisitions. It will also support the enhanced development of Ligentix; Ligentia’s proprietary customer technology platform.

Ligentia will continue to be led by its founder and CEO Nick Jones, who alongside the existing management will also invest in the business.

Nick Jones, Founder and CEO of Ligentia, said:

“Ligentia has always had an exceptional ability to adapt according to customer and market requirements and we work hard to ensure that customers drive our strategy and ways of working. Over the past 12 months we have adapted again, as our customers and colleagues around the world have endured some of the most challenging times. Our significant investment in our technology platform means we have been able to not only maintain our service to customers, but deliver some substantial change in the way we work. That investment has positioned Ligentia at the forefront of change in our sector.”

“Our new partnership with Equistone will allow increased investment in our business at a time where there is a considerable awareness of global supply chains and the risks that organisations face without the right visibility systems and partners.”

“Equistone has an exceptional track record of supporting fast-growth global companies like ours, as well as a deep understanding of the market. We are really excited about this next part of our journey with a valuable partner on board.”

Sebastien Leusch, Investment Director at Equistone Partners Europe, said:

“Ligentia has 25 years of experience in global supply chain management with some of the world’s most admired brands. Thanks to its strong management team, the business is known for its particularly high customer service levels, underpinned by a stand-out technology platform. This unique combination, at a time where the importance of seamless global supply chain management is particularly heightened, makes this investment a particularly exciting one.

We are therefore delighted to have this opportunity to invest and we look forward to working alongside Nick and the wider team on Ligentia’s next phase of growth and product development.” 

Sebastien Leusch, Chris Candfield and Steve O’Hare led the investment on behalf of Equistone. Equistone was advised by DC Advisory, Addleshaw Goddard and PwC.

Ligentia was advised by Rothschild, Squire Patton Boggs, KPMG, Roland Berger and Crosslake.

Santander is providing revolving credit facilities to Ligentia as part of the transaction.