Olswang advises on £50 million management buy-out of Clifford Thames Group

International TMT law firm Olswang has advised the shareholders of Clifford Thames Group Limited, the UK market leading automotive data firm, on the buy-out of the company by leading private equity group LDC.

In addition to acting for the shareholders of Clifford Thames on the sale, Olswang also advised the management team on their equity investment in the acquisition vehicle.

Headquartered in Chelmsford, Clifford Thames is a specialist provider of outsourced services to the global automotive aftermarket parts, service and repair industry. The business provides in-depth data and operational expertise to its customer base which comprises some of the world's leading vehicle manufacturers, national sales companies, franchised dealer networks, bodyshops, fleet and leasing companies.

Stephen Rosen, corporate partner who led the team at Olswang said: "We have watched Clifford Thames grow over a number of years and are pleased to have helped in this next stage of its progression. We have worked on a number of transactions funded by LDC and their support for growing UK business is really pleasing."

Calvin Barnett, Clifford Thames CEO commented: "Stephen and his team have supported Clifford Thames over many years and their significant experience of mid-market private equity transactions was invaluable during our process. Stephen always remained a cool head in the room and delivered practical, commercial and sensible advice throughout the process."

The Olswang team was led by Head of Private Equity, Stephen Rosen, with Senior Corporate Associate, Katie Nagy de Nagybaczon leading on the sale, with assistance from Abigail Wahnon (Corporate Associate), Marian Ang (Corporate Trainee), Tax Partner, Natasha Kaye, Stephen Smith (Senior Tax Associate) and Lydia Hutchinson (Tax Associate).