Harrison Drury advises on B&S sale to Ipsum four years after MBO

Harrison Drury Corporate Partner, Mark Traynor, advises B&S Group on the sale to Ipsum, four years after MBO.

Harrison Drury has advised Cheshire-based specialist investment firm High Wood Capital and Jason Wittenbrink, managing director of electrical engineering business B&S Group, on the sale of the business to private equity-backed engineering services group, Ipsum.

The deal expands Ipsum’s capacity to deliver the electrical infrastructure behind the UK’s power and renewable energy projects, bringing B&S’s specialist manufacturing and off-site substation construction expertise into the group. It also marks an exit for High Wood Capital four years after backing the management buyout.

Harrison Drury partner, Mark Traynor, advised on the original management buyout in 2022, when Jason, then group operations manager, and High Wood Capital acquired the business from its founders.

Our corporate team, led by Mark and supported by legal directors Jennifer Murphy and Sally Tomlinson and solicitor Sophie Holt-Rogers, advised throughout the transaction, including on arrangements for Jason’s continued role within the group.

Founded in 1991 and based at Chester West Employment Park, B&S Group designs, manufactures and installs electrical infrastructure for customers across renewable energy, battery storage, utilities, transport, data infrastructure and the commercial and industrial sectors. Its services include packaged power systems, fabrication and switchgear.

B&S brings a dedicated facility to build and integrate electrical systems off-site, complementing Ipsum’s existing engineering services.

Established in 2017 through the integration of five specialist engineering businesses, Ipsum provides engineering services for critical power and water infrastructure. Headquartered in Chorley and backed by European private equity firm IK Partners, it employs more than 1,500 people across more than 40 locations.

B&S Group managing director, Jason Wittenbrink, said: “Joining Ipsum Group marks an exciting new chapter for B&S Group. Over the past 30 years, we have built a proud reputation for delivering high-quality, bespoke engineering solutions, supported by the immense technical expertise and dedication of our people.

“Becoming part of a major nationwide operator like Ipsum provides an unparalleled opportunity to scale that success. By combining our off-site build agility and specialist engineering with Ipsum’s vast resource network and national footprint, we can better serve our collective client base. We look forward to the opportunities this brings for our team, our customers, and the continued sustainable growth of the business.”

Mark Traynor said: “It’s been a real privilege to advise High Wood and Jason on their initial investment and now support them through this exit. Having advised on the original buyout, I came to this transaction with an understanding of the business and the ambitions behind that investment. That provided a valuable starting point for advising High Wood and Jason on the sale.

“This is a real North West success story. Congratulations to High Wood and Jason, and best of luck to the team as B&S joins Ipsum.”

The B&S Group sale demonstrates the value of lasting professional relationships, with Mark advising on both the original buyout and the subsequent sale. Across the North, Harrison Drury brings together specialist legal expertise and knowledge of local businesses to help owners, investors and management teams plan for change, pursue growth and invest in the region’s future.

To discuss buying or selling a business, contact our corporate team on 01772 258321.

Mark Traynor