A team from accountants and business advisers
Mercer & Hole led by Kevin Paget, director and head of deal advisory (pictured), has advised the senior management team of Watford based
ACL Engineering Ltd (ACL) on a successful management buyout.
For almost 50 years, ACL has built a strong reputation for delivering high‑quality design, supply, installation, maintenance, and servicing of compressed air systems. With engineers operating across London and the South East, ACL serves a distinguished customer base and is a premier distributor for
Atlas Copco’s market‑leading compressed air equipment.
Mr Paget said: “Having discussed exit options with the shareholders, Mercer & Hole is delighted to have guided and project‑managed the successful transition of the business to the ACL senior management team.”
A structured lending package from Arbuthnot Latham Group, co‑ordinated by Hayley Beaumont, was chosen from a selection of debt funders who were keen to support the deal. Expert support from Mercer & Hole was provided by Jacqui Gudgion, Jolene Upshall and Tapan Patel. Legal advice for the management team was delivered by Alex Zachary, Beth Miel and the BP Collins team, while Joseph Jarvis of Knights PLC led the legal team acting for the Sellers.
Steve Smithard, finance director leading the MBO at ACL Engineering Ltd, said: “Kevin and the Mercer & Hole team guided us through the whole process expertly and ensured that, even with unexpected issues, the buy-out was achieved with the minimum of fuss. They were readily available and managed all parties involved to ensure we got the deal across the line.”
John Doherty, managing director and majority shareholder, exiting the business said: “Kevin Paget and the Mercer & Hole team worked with all parties to help deliver the management buyout deal. The project was managed professionally and brought to a successful completion in February 2026.”
Mercer & Hole has 27 partners and over 250 staff across its offices in London, St Albans Rickmansworth and Milton Keynes.