Loupe Solutions

The Capital Fund, the London-based regional fund managed by YFM Venture Finance, has completed its first MBO with an investment in Loupe Solutions, the provider of print production services. The Capital Fund provided £250k of risk capital – its maximum initial investment – to obtain a significant minority stake in the company. Venture Finance plc provided debt through the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme (SFGLS) as well as some working capital while State Security supplied equipment finance. The deal took five months to complete.

Company

Management made an approach to Imprima de Bussy, the European printing and communications group, on March 10th 2004 with the intention to set up a vehicle that would facilitate an MBO. The company originates from Oyez Press, the old City printing company. It is hoped that the MBO will enable Loupe Solutions to expand its print production offering beyond the financial sector to service a range of new commercial clients across the UK. Loupe Solutions began trading in March 2004 and turnover is forecast at £5m for its first year. The company is based in London and employs 33 people.

People

Richard Howell is managing director of Loupe Solutions and has a managing team that consists of Neil Allen, David Lloyd, Julian Mason and Chris Shaw. Rob Higham, formerly of BancBostonÂ’s private equity division, has joined the company as a non-executive director. Stuart Nicol coordinated the deal on behalf of The Capital Fund.

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• France