Bristol-based boutique corporate finance consultancy Momentum has advised on a major deal involving the sale of a client firm to the UK market leader for vacant property and asset protection services.
It worked with specialist property, security and maintenance provider Veritas Property Management on its takeover by Orbis Protect. 
Founded in 2005 and based near Malmesbury, Wiltshire, Veritas offers services such as CCTV and alarms, site security and vacant property management to customers in the commercial sector, including property managers, facilities management providers and insolvency practitioners.
Middlesex-headquartered Orbis Protect, which is backed by Synova Capital, employs more than 500 staff across 20 UK locations, including Bristol, working with clients across the private and public sectors.
Its services include site security and CCTV for housing, construction and other vulnerable asset protection leveraging its secure monitoring services, as well as vacant property management – from cleaning and clearing, to infection control and pest control.
Orbis also offers out-of-hours call centre services and lone worker solutions, protecting more than 50,000 workers annually with personalised alarm services. 
The firm has recorded strong organic growth in recent years and also acquired Glasgow-based CCTV firm Optosafe.
The Veritas acquisition will boost its offering and enhance its customer experience while also accelerating innovation.
Momentum Corporate Finance acted as lead advisor to Veritas’ shareholders, with Bristol-headquartered national law firm TLT providing legal advice.
Orbis was advised by international law firm Squire Patton Boggs (legal) and accountants PwC (financial and tax due diligence) and Deloitte (tax advisory). The acquisition was supported by financing provided by French private equity group Ardian.
Veritas CEO James Gay said: “Special thanks go to Momentum’s team for its role in the success of this transaction.
“It has been an exceptional experience working with them since the outset, as we wanted to work with an advisor from the earliest stages of rationalising and understanding our options for future sale.
“It was their long-term commitment to look at all aspects of our business that made Momentum instrumental from the preparation of our strategy, right through to the smooth running and the successful sale to Orbis.
“Whilst you would expect professional, competent advice from your advisor, Momentum’s ‘secret sauce’ is their ability to offer truly practical, pragmatic support, that leads to better outcomes and supports the human elements of the sale process that many advisory firms overlook.”
Momentum Corporate Finance partner Rob Crews added: “It’s been a pleasure to provide strategic guidance to the Veritas team over the last two years as the business has prepared itself for a future sale.
“We pride ourselves on giving best long-term advice and are always keen to engage with our clients well in advance of a transaction to deliver maximum value.
“Orbis is an excellent home for Veritas and we look forward to seeing the combined group flourish as it captures the significant synergies and market opportunities that lie ahead.”
TLT provided legal advice on all aspects of the acquisition to the shareholders and the ongoing management team, with its team led by head of corporate Andrew Webber and supported by Henry Male, Irina Angliss and Philip Barratt.
Andrew Webber said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with the Veritas owners and management as the company embarks on the next stage of its significant journey of growth and development.
“We worked hand in hand with the team and their advisers at Momentum to provide strategic advice on the deal terms and process and are proud to have supported them in the sale to Orbis Protect.
“This is a fantastic combination and we look forward to seeing what the combined group will achieve together.”
