Tricom Supplies

Sector
Business Services
Status
Realised
Deal Type
Management Buy-out (MBO)

Builders' merchant specialising in plumbing and heating equipment for the replacement market. Owned by Mannesmann AG during 1990s.

ISIS backed an MBO in 1998 after Tricom became non-core within Mannesmann. Turnover grew from £70m to £120m during ISIS' four and a half year investment. BSS, identified as a potential buyer through Old Mutual, acquired Tricom for £31.8m in 2003.

"ISIS and Tricom's decision to focus on a single buyer was vindicated both by the result and the subsequent performance of BSS's share price. A year later, it was substantially ahead of the All-Share."

Jonathan Bartlett, Old Mutual

Timeline

1998 - ISIS backs MBO
1999 - Tricom acquires Fry & Pollard
2003 - BSS acquires Tricom