Rialto Investment Partners, the St Helier-based firm formed last October, has completed its first acquisition – Jersey property and real estate services group Real Property.
The transaction includes all four Real Property businesses - Buckley & Company (commercial agency and professional services), Voisin Hunter (residential and commercial property management, with residential lettings), Maillards Estates (residential agency) and MDW (building surveying).
While the day-to-day management of the organisation will remain largely unchanged, Rialto's Founding Partners Luke Smith and Oliver Mourant have joined the board to support plans for innovation and growth.
Oliver Mourant (pictured) commented: "Our aim is to acquire businesses that have a strong track record of profitability but are not large enough to be on the radar of larger investment firms.
"That is why we are delighted to have acquired a company as high-performing and well-regarded as Real Property. Local owner-managed businesses often find it difficult to sell – not due to profitability, but due to lack of choice. A management buyout, or sale to an unfamiliar off-island business, are often the only paths open to them.
"Our experience in private equity investment, accountancy, business advisory services, company sales, mergers and acquisitions means we are a well-placed to offer Jersey businesses with a viable exit route, while providing our shareholders with opportunities for local investment."
Carey Olsen acted as lead counsel to Rialto Investment Partners on the acquisition, led by Partners James Willmott and Robin Smith, and supported by Associates Caitlin Hagart and Holly Brown.