Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending (ACABL) has provided a £2.5 million financial facility to support the management buyout (MBO) of AT Wilde & Son and Wildes Plant Hire. The businesses, which specialise in plant hire, parts, and sales, have been acquired by Peter Venn, a long-standing client of Arbuthnot and former Managing Director of Stacatruc.
The new facility includes a £500,000 receivables finance facility and a £2 million plant and machinery loan, offering both the financial support for the acquisition and the flexibility to accommodate ambitious future growth plans.
AT Wilde & Son was founded in 1937 by Alfred Thomas Wilde as a blacksmith shop, later expanding into supplying engines and gensets. Over time, the business evolved to supply parts and engines for leading manufacturers while also collaborating closely with its sister company, Wildes Plant Hire, established in 1964. These family-run businesses serve the agricultural, construction, and plant hire sectors across Shropshire. The third generation of the Wilde family, who successfully led the business to its current success, decided to sell, prompting Peter Venn’s acquisition of both companies.
Peter Venn brings extensive experience to the role, having previously grown Stacatruc into a notable success story for Arbuthnot. Through several acquisitions, he led the company to a successful exit via a management buyout.
Venn expressed his enthusiasm about working with Arbuthnot again, highlighting the team’s sector expertise and ability to craft a facility tailored to their needs. He emphasised his confidence in their commercial approach, which will be essential for maximising the potential of their growth plans.
Andrew Rutherford, Commercial Director at Arbuthnot, also shared his excitement about supporting Venn in this new venture, noting that Arbuthnot’s ongoing commitment to their clients was a key factor in the businesses’ continued success. The team is eager to be part of the journey that lies ahead for AT Wilde & Son and Wildes Plant Hire.
The £2.5 million facility not only aids in the acquisition but positions the businesses for future growth, with strong backing from a trusted partner.
Arbuthnot Banking Group PLC (LON:ARBB), trading as Arbuthnot Latham, provides private and commercial banking products and services in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1833, Arbuthnot Banking is based in London, United Kingdom.
