News: Lightmain Leisure in management buy-out

Lightmain Leisure, the Rotherham-based designer and manufacturer of playground and outdoor leisure equipment, has been bought out by the division's managers.

Advised by BHP Ingram Forrest Corporate Finance and backed by Yorkshire Fund Managers and Yorkshire Bank, the management team bought the division from the Lightmain Company. The buy-out sees sales director Trevor Lafferty and his team acquire a majority shareholding in the business.

Based in Wath-upon-Dearne, Lightmain Leisure is one of the UK's leading providers of all weather multi-use games areas (MUGAS), skate parks, playground equipment, shelters and street furniture.

Lightmain was founded by Yorkshire entrepreneur Gary Beresforde in 1991 and initially focused on the manufacture and design of highly durable steel structures for the engineering and construction sectors. Recognising the growing importance of the leisure sector, the company subsequently expanded its operations to supply the outdoor sports and recreation markets.

Gary said: "I am very proud of what we have achieved in establishing Lightmain Leisure as one of the leading UK suppliers in its niche and I wish Trevor and his team the very best of luck as they take the business onto the next stage."

BHP Ingram Forrest Corporate Finance acted as lead advisor to the vendor. Partner, David Forrest said: "We have worked with Gary and his team on a number of projects over recent years and are delighted to have advised on the disposal of Lightmain Leisure.

"It is also particularly pleasing to have been involved in a transaction which has a truly regional flavour to it with the business, the funders and the advisors all being based in Yorkshire."

Lightmain website
BHP Ingram Forrest Corporate Finance website
Rotherham

Images: lightmain.co.uk / BHP Ingram Forrest Corporate Finance