SMB successfully advises the founder of PHASTAR on incoming investment from Charterhouse Capital Partners.

SMB are very pleased to have successfully advised Kevin Kane, the founder of PHASTAR, one of the UK’s largest specialist biometrics clinical research organisations for clinical trials, on his partnership with private equity firm Charterhouse Capital Partners LLP.  PHASTAR has 10 offices globally with plans for further international expansion.  Charterhouse made a significant investment into PHASTAR, with Mr Kane remaining CEO and retaining a substantial stake in the business.

The deal was led by Corporate Partners Neal Hodges, Natalie Wright, and Simon Goldberg with Associates Sascha Silberstein, Emma Halton, John Harrington, and Trainee Solicitors Tom Robinson and Claire Hindle assisting. Partner Martin Smith supported on the property aspects, while Senior Associate Daniel Cotton advised on the HR elements.

SMB worked closely with the corporate advisors at Edgemont Partners, tax lawyers at DWF Law, and accountants at JDC Corporate Finance, as well as Australian law firm Polczynski Robinson in respect of local issues relating to PHASTAR’s Australian subsidiary.

Kevin Kane said of SMB:

“I was delighted with the support SMB’s team gave to me throughout the deal.  Although it was a complex transaction with multiple elements, both international and domestic, running to a very tight timescale, I always felt that SMB were across everything.  Their approach was skilled, pragmatic and commercial, and I would not hesitate to recommend SMB to anyone looking at a similar process for their own business.”