Maven delivers profitable return for investors on sale of XPD8

Maven has sold Aberdeen-based energy services business XPD8 Solutions to John Crane Group, a division of FTSE 100 listed Smiths Group plc.

The sale has delivered an attractive return on Maven client funds’ original investment and is the 3rd profitable disposal by Maven’s energy services team in the past year following the sales of EFC Group and MSIS.

Formed in 2003, XPD8 is an oil & gas services consultancy offering cost-effective asset management and integrity management solutions to a global customer base, providing bespoke software tools and skilled engineers specialising in asset integrity services.

With bases now in Aberdeen and London, XPD8 has expanded its presence in international markets and now caters to a blue-chip customer base that includes Tullow, Aker, Apache, CNR and Wood Group PSN. Integrity services is an area of increasing focus for the oil & gas sector as energy services businesses seek to control costs and maximise production whilst maintaining safety on ageing infrastructure.

Jock Gardiner, Partner at Maven said: “With Maven’s support, XPD8 management has performed strongly since we invested in the company in 2010 and this exit has achieved a healthy return for our investors. Working in partnership with Maven throughout, Mark Cavanagh and his team have built a reputation for excellence and a business that offers best-in-class service in a sector where the ongoing emphasis on integrity services is key for customers. XPD8 is proof that high calibre management teams can deliver growth, even in a challenging oil & gas market.”

Mark Cavanagh, MD at XPD8, said: “We are excited about the next phase in the expansion of our business on the back of a platform achieved with the constructive support of Maven since 2010, and an encouraging pipeline of opportunities. We’ve worked closely with Maven’s Aberdeen team, whose advice, support and knowledge of the sector has been a key part in our success, as well as allowing us to access industry expert advice from other Maven portfolio companies.”