Inspired plc acquired by HGGC

A Kirkham headquartered energy and sustainability specialist has been bought by American private equity firm HGGC.

Gateley Legal has advised longstanding client Inspired plc on the recommended takeover offer valued at £183.6 million.

The transaction represents a new chapter for Inspired reflecting its continued growth and strategic appeal to international investors.

Gateley has acted for Inspired since its admission to AIM in 2011, supporting the company through its growth journey by advising on 18 acquisitions, raising equity and debt finance and executive management succession processes.

In this transaction, Gateley advised Inspired on the dual-track process of defending an unsolicited approach from activist shareholder Regent Gas, while simultaneously negotiating the recommended offer from HGGC.

The deal was delivered in collaboration with investment bank Evercore and international law firm Ashurst LLP.

Gateley continues to advise Inspired’s management team as the company enters its next phase of development under private ownership.

Gateley Legal’s corporate team on the transaction was led by partners Paul Jefferson, Paul Cliff and Sam Meiklejohn, supported by senior associate Darryl Chew, associate Hannah Hogarth and solicitors Zhuo Li and Paige Richardson.

Paul Connor, chief financial officer at Inspired said: “The advice and dedication to the process from Paul and the wider Gateley team was excellent and much appreciated, as ever the relationship with Gateley is longstanding and valued and we look forward to continuing to work together.”

Paul Jefferson said: “It has been a genuine pleasure advising Mark and the Inspired team on this process and throughout the client relationship.

"It is always our aspiration to develop a relationship as a trusted advisor for clients and work with them through the various stages of their growth journey.

"That has definitely been the case with Inspired, where we have acted since its initial IPO in 2011.

"We are delighted to have helped the company successfully navigate its way through this 'twin' process and look forward to working with the management team as we head into a new and exciting phase.”