Vacuum Furnace Engineering has been acquired by Busch UK

Arrowpoint Advisory has advised Longacre Group on the sale of their portfolio company, VFE Ltd, to Busch UK, part of the global Busch Vacuum Solutions group.

VFE is the leading UK provider of vacuum services, specialist equipment, control and calibration solutions to heat treatment and advanced material manufacturers across industrial sectors, including aviation, automotive and medical. The company generates its revenue primarily through the overhaul, scheduled maintenance and supply of associated spare parts for vacuum furnaces and autoclaves. Headquartered in Birmingham, the Company services an installed base of vacuum furnaces & autoclaves across the UK and overseas. The management team led by David Byrne, will continue to drive the business following the acquisition.

VFE will now become part of the global Busch Vacuum Solutions group, which provides individual and tailor-made vacuum solutions and services to customers in a wide range of market segments, including food, chemical, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, semiconductor, medical and metallurgy. Operationally, VFE will remain focused on the markets and customers that benefit from the team’s expertise in vacuum metallurgy and composites, whilst the existing Busch UK business will continue to serve customers under the Busch brand. The combination of Busch and VFE’s vacuum expertise, solutions, and service capabilities will provide an even more comprehensive range of vacuum solutions, benefitting the collective customer base. 

David Byrne, CEO of VFE, commented: “I greatly appreciate the exceptional support, guidance and commercial approach afforded to VFE and I, by Graham, Tom and the very professional Arrowpoint Advisory team. VFE are now a growing part of Busch Vacuum solutions, an excellent home, made a reality by the professionalism of Arrowpoint Advisory as a partner, delivering a result that greatly pleased all stakeholders.”

Elliott Nicholson, Longacre, commented: “The Arrowpoint Advisory team ran a very successful process. They were professional, diligent and highly supportive throughout. We had selected Arrowpoint Advisory because of their track record and previous successes in selling Technical Manufacturing and Service businesses, the result they have achieved very much supports that decision.”

Tom Smith, Director at Arrowpoint Advisory, commented:“It was a pleasure working with David, Adam and the rest of the VFE team and we are delighted to have been able to help them secure a transaction which provides a strong exit for Longacre and the opportunity to maximise VFE’s potential as part of the wider Busch Vacuum Solutions Group. We look forward to seeing the Group grow over the next few years.”

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