Haslers Corporate Finance are pleased to announce the successful completion of the sale of Stanford Coachworks & Mobility Services Limited (‘SCW’) to B.V.S. Group (‘BVS’) a specialist vehicle conversion company primarily operating in the ambulance conversion market.
Founded in 1995, SCW are specialist in wheelchair accessible vehicle conversions and other vehicle conversions and supply an average of 350 minibuses each year to local authorities, charities, community transport organisations and private institutions.
With approximately 50 employees and an annual turnover of circa. £20 million, SCW are one the largest independent vehicle conversion businesses in the UK.
SCW and BVS have already had a history of collaboration, with the companies working together for over 30 years in the medical services vehicle sector, with a new Secure Cell Conversion being the latest collaboration together.
Our Role
Michael Watts and Paul O’Gara both of Haslers Corporate Finance LLP (part of the Haslers Group) acted as lead advisors to the vendors, throughout the transaction.
Future
The acquisition by BVS will cement the future for Stanford Coachworks, and allow the current owner-managers of SCW to start their retirement plans through a handover period to ensure the safe transfer of knowledge and experience in the sector to the BVS management team.
BVS will benefit from economies of scale, with collaborations with SCW already in place since 2024 and the combining of the two groups will see significant economies of scale and open many new opportunities from both industries they operate within.
Jess Rider, co-owner manager of SCW said:
“We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to every customer, supplier, and staff member who’s been part of our journey over the past 30 years. Your loyalty, support, and dedication have shaped Stanford Coachworks into the company it is today. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built together and excited for what’s to come
We also extend out thanks to Michael Watts and Paul O’Gara from Haslers Corporate Finance LLP, for their assistance and support in ensuring the acquisition by BVS Group was completed. Their knowledge of the disposal process and support provided throughout the process was superb and allowed us to continue operating the business without disruption and enable to hand over a company in very good health for the new ownership by BVS Group to continue to deliver, without much change required.”
The managing director of BVS, Jack Byrne said:
“I’m honoured to be joining the Stanford Coachworks legacy and excited for this new venture. I’ve known Lee and Jess for most of my life and have worked closely with them for the past 13 years. Their support, guidance, and friendship have helped shape my journey, and I’m grateful to have them by my side as we take this next step together.”
Michael Watts commented:
“I am delighted to have been able to support the vendors, Jess Rider and Lee Wiggins, in their exit strategy, which will undoubtedly benefit both parties to the transaction and grow the group further, expanding the coverage and experienced knowledge-base, inevitably providing a greater breath of service to its current client base. We look forward to seeing Stanford Coachworks and BVS Group strife and grow through the coming years”
Considering assistance for your exit strategy or an acquisition?
Haslers Corporate Finance LLP is the corporate finance department of the Haslers Group, which specialises in advising and providing services to the small and medium-sized enterprise sector, particularly owner-managed businesses and is based at its flagship offices in Loughton, Essex, albeit operating across the UK.
Speak to us today to turn your dream of future exit from your business into your exit strategy plan or an acquisition strategy.
https://www.haslers.com/services/corporate-finance
