Maven exits ELE Advanced Technologies generating a 4.4x return

We are pleased to announce the sale of ELE Advanced Technologies Limited (ELE), to the private equity investor LDC, generating a 4.4x total return for investors.

ELE provides highly specialised precision metal cutting processes for turbine blades and also supplies turbo charger components to the automotive sector. It currently employs more than 180 people from its facilities in Colne and Slovakia

The management team at ELE completed a buyout of the business in 2000 and during the investment period ELE relocated to a purpose built state-of-the art greenfield manufacturing facility in Colne, Lancashire and opened a low-cost specialist machining facility in Slovakia.

The company benefits from high barriers to entry due to its expertise and knowledge base developed over many years, which has established ELE as a leading manufacturer in the application of STEM drilling, capillary drilling, precision grinding and electrical discharge machining processes. ELE’s blades are widely used in the industrial gas turbine, aerospace and commercial diesel sectors, where its clients include Rolls-Royce, Safran, Siemens, GE Avio, GE Power and MAN Diesel & Turbo. 

Mike Collis, Head of Portfolio at Maven, said:
“The sale of ELE is a positive strategic move for the business, enabling it to accelerate its growth plans, and has delivered a good return for Maven investors. ELE’s progress since the original MBO is a reflection of the quality of the business and its reputation in a specialist market, and we are proud to have supported the management team since 2000. We would like to thank the ELE team for their hard work and wish the business good luck in the next stage of its development.”

Manesh Pandya, CEO at ELE, added:
“With backing from Maven we have been able to develop niche technologies and capabilities that has enabled us to grow and supply our products globally. The business has been transformed since 2000 and I’d like to thank Mike Collis and Maven for their support on this journey”.

The investment was held by Maven Income and Growth VCT PLC (formerly known as Murray VCT 4).