Palatine Private Equity has continued to strengthen its offering in the responsible investment space with two new recruits to its returns-focused Impact Fund.
James Gregson joins the Manchester team as Investment Director, while Matt Coles has joined as Investment Manager in the London office.
Gregson joins from advisory firm BDO, where he spent 11 years, including seven in the M&A team advising clients on domestic and international transactions across a variety of sectors. He has particular mid-market expertise, advising on deals generally between GBP5m and GBP20m in value.
Coles previously worked at PwC for seven years, with four of those spent in the firm’s mid-market Transaction Services team advising both corporate and private equity clients on a variety of transactions. He also has experience of working with smaller owner managed businesses.
Both Gregson and Coles will be responsible for originating and assessing new investment opportunities, executing transactions and subsequently working with investee companies to help deliver their growth plans. The pair will be supporting partner Beth Houghton, who is leading the Impact Fund, and partner Zoe Clements.
Palatine had a first close of GBP50 million in December 2016 and is currently working towards final closing with a fund target of GBP75 million. The Fund will invest between GBP2 million and GBP10 million in companies that not only make a market rate financial return, but will also have a positive social or environmental impact.
Beth Houghton, Partner at Palatine Private Equity, says: “We are delighted to welcome James and Matt as we start to make headway with this new Fund. The Fund will combine Palatine’s proven mid-market private equity approach with its longstanding, award-winning commitment to sustainable businesses. I’m really excited about working with the team towards our first investments.”
Gregson says: “Palatine is one of the most reputable firms in the UK mid-market and I am delighted to be on board. The establishment of the Impact Fund underlines Palatine’s commitment to responsible investment and I am looking forward to working with growth businesses that also make a difference from a social or environmental perspective.”
Coles says: “I am really excited to be joining Beth and the rest of the team on the new Impact Fund to work with businesses that are not only looking to grow financially, but also create a positive social or environmental impact.”
