YFM sells shareholding in Ferrabyne

By Sam Pither

21 June 2022

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YFM Equity Partners’ managed funds have sold their shareholding in Littlehampton-based railway parts manufacturers Ferrabyrne Holdings Ltd.

The buyers, Dellner Polymer Solutions, part of Sweden’s Dellner group, provide technologically advanced vibration control, rubber fabrication and bonding solutions for the global market.

The acquisition will add a new dimension to Dellner Group’s global product offering, helping it expand into wider markets including Asia. Ferrabyrne will continue operating from its 3,000 square metre South Coast facility, where it produces a range of suspension systems and rubber to metal components including bushes, bearings, and couplings

Ken Horton, Ferrabyrne CEO, said: “YFM have been a consistent and constructive partner over the last few years, supporting the team in its strategic thinking, the steps needed to weather the pandemic and the exit process.

“Their funding has allowed our team to take the business to the next level – and this transaction is an exciting and important step for the future development of Ferrabyrne. Our team is looking forward to realising the enhanced opportunities and synergy within the Dellner Group.”

Ferrabyrne’s customers include all the major European rail OEMs for new build such as Alstom, Hitachi, Siemens, Skoda, UK mainline networks, as well as service customers like MTRC in Hong Kong and the London Underground.

Since YFM’s investment in 2016, Ferrabyrne has strengthened its management team with several key hires and invested in systems, processes and new technologies. It has expanded into China and India, grown its customer base globally and more than doubled turnover. This marks the fourth exit from the private equity house’s Buyout Fund 1, which was raised in 2016.

James Savage, partner at YFM, said: “We backed Ken and his team to grow the business and capitalise on positive trends in the rail industry. The team has delivered on its plan, building strong relationships with all the major European manufacturers, and established itself as a crucial part of the supply chain.

“The last couple of years have highlighted the company’s robustness and maturity, as well as its growth prospects, with its order book currently at record levels. We are pleased to realise this return for our investors and believe that Dellner is a great home for the business.”

By Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset.

A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise.

Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.