London-based bezier group Announces Management Buy-in Led by David Mitchell

Former St. Ives exec who sold Astron Group to RR Donnelley gets funding from MidOcean Partners for agency acquisition

Source: bezier group -- Graphic Arts Online, November 4, 2009

London, United Kingdom, November 04, 2009 -- In 2005 bezier group was bought by MidOcean Partners and as Graham Clempson, MidOcean’s European managing partner, explains: “We have been searching for some time now for someone with the right track record who can steer bezier group to new heights. We are very confident that in David Mitchell and his team we have found the right blend of skills to add to bezier’s existing management.

“It is a testament to the strength of the bezier platform that we have been able to attract a leader of David’s calibre. Together with the fresh equity injection from MidOcean and management we believe that this will ensure the group’s future success.”

David Mitchell previously held senior posts in St Ives Group and Associated Newspapers before building up the Huntingdon based print and document management company Astron Group from a turnover of under £10m to over £300m within nine years before selling it to RR Donnelley.

David Mitchell said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to build a world class business. From what I have seen, we are starting from a solid platform. We have a great business, excellent and hard working people, well invested facilities and a great customer base.”

Joining David in the management buy in are two colleagues who worked with him in his days at Astron. Both Trevor O’Reilly and Alistair Stewart will be joining the group board alongside Mark Shaw from bezier’s existing team. Trevor will have responsibility for optimising operational efficiencies and Alistair will be responsible for accelerating the company’s business development programme.

David Mitchell commented: “Having worked closely before with both Trevor and Alistair I am very pleased that they have agreed to join me in this buy-in. Their skills will be invaluable in ensuring that we provide an even greater focus on servicing our clients.

“In addition to Mark Shaw and Gary Knight’s deep understanding of the retail marketing space our talented people, leading edge technologies and scale places us in a great position to provide the market with a truly compelling and unique proposition. I am really looking forward to it.”

Mark Shaw said: “This is very good news and a very good development for all bezier stakeholders. I am really pleased to be part of this and to playing a significant role in contributing to the team and growth of the business.”

On the financial side, MidOcean Partners will be backing the new management with further investment in order to support the growth plans of the business. With additional support from RBS and Lloyds TSB the company benefits from a strong balance sheet that will support the ambitions and growth plans of the business.

David Mitchell said: “Having MidOcean as our equity partner was key to us, others talk partnership and support, they stepped up”.

Graham Clempson concluded: “This buy-in will not only strengthen the management team but also provide the company with real financial strength.”

About Bezier (www.beziergroup.co.uk)
Using its unrivalled understanding of the retail environment bezier has invested in and developed its in-store consultancy, design and e-solutions services in addition to continuing to develop its world-class manufacturing heritage.

The growth and continuing success of the business will be achieved by a resolute focus on the customer and providing clients with:
· great service
· inspiring creativity
· new innovations
· the very latest technology
· complete range of end to end services

Background:
· bezier group is Europe’s leading retail marketing agency and has a turnover approaching £100 million for 09/10.
· The group employs around 950 colleagues across nine sites in Leicester, Leeds, London, Poole, Thurrock and Wakefield.
· Using its unrivalled understanding of the retail environment, bezier has invested in and developed its in-store consultancy, design and e-solutions services in addition to continuing to develop its world-class manufacturing heritage.
· In 2005, seeing its rapid growth and further potential bezier was bought by investment firm MidOcean Partners.
· During 2006, bezier acquired Leicester-based permanent POP supplier, Pointer.
· In March 2008, the bezier group acquired London-based retail marketing agency, Coutts Retail Communications (CRC).

About MidOcean Partners (www.midoceanpartners.com)
MidOcean Partners is a leading private equity firm focused on the middle market. Based in New York and London, MidOcean is committed to investing in high quality companies with stable market positions and multiple opportunities for growth in the United States and Europe. Targeted sectors include consumer and leisure, media and communications, business and financial services and industrials. MidOcean utilizes a broad foundation of expertise in its focus industries and its transatlantic platform to create value for its investors and partners.