YFM Equity Partners has hired David Wrench as an investment director, as it continues to expand its investment team.Wrench is joining the team to invest in growth capital and buyout opportunities, and his appointment follows the recent raising of a new GBP80 million YFM buyout fund, the investment to support the buyout of Worcestershire-based Innovative Safety Systems, and the recent trade sale of Business Collaborator in Reading.
Wrench joins YFM from BDO, where he was managing director in the firm’s Reading office and focused on advising growing businesses in the UK lower mid-market. He led various transactions whilst at BDO including the buyout of Capital Economics, a growth capital fundraise for Assuria, and the sale of SecurEnvoy.
“We know David from working with BDO on previous transactions and we are confident that with his hands on, supportive and collegiate approach to businesses, he’d be a great fit for the growing investment team at YFM,” says YFM partner Jamie Roberts.
“Having recently closed the fundraising on our new fund, and with significant cash on the balance sheet of our VCTs for growth capital investments, we are keen to continue to increase our capacity to invest in, and support growing businesses in the UK. David will lead our focus on working with strong regional SME businesses in the South West in particular.”
Wrench has been an active corporate finance adviser in the Thames Valley and South West region for over ten years, having previously worked with Grant Thornton, and he was recognised as the Thames Valley Young Dealmaker of the year in 2018.
Wrench comments: “Having known YFM for a long time, I was aware of their impressive track record helping boards grow businesses, and their continued focus on regional investing across the South.
“I am excited to join a team that has a reputation within its portfolio of being a trusted and supportive business partner rather than simply an investor. With the recent successful close of a new £80m buyout fund, it’s a very good time to join YFM as they continue to explore opportunities to invest in growing businesses nationwide.”
YFM typically invests between GBP3 million and GBP10 million per transaction into businesses with strong growth potential located across the UK regions, through its network of offices in London, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham.
