Alantra advises Tornado Group on its sale to Storskogen

Jan 2022

Sell-side advisory

Alantra, the global investment banking specialist, has advised the shareholders of Tornado Group Ltd (“Tornado” or “the Company”), the UK’s leading provider of premium branded animal fencing products, on the sale of the business to Storskogen. Storskogen, an investment company based in Sweden, acquires and manages well-managed and profitable small and medium-sized enterprises within the business areas Industry, Trade and Services in the Nordic countries, DACH and the UK. Tornado is Storskogen’s third acquisition in the UK.

Since its establishment in 1969, Tornado has gone from strength to strength, growing from its humble beginnings to become a name synonymous with quality in animal fence manufacturing. This has been underpinned by its innovative approach which has seen the company become a pioneer within the industry, consistently developing new products and capabilities. With its dedication to deliver premium products, Tornado has built a loyal customer base, some of which have been with the Company for decades.

Headquartered in Bidford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, and with a purpose-built manufacturing facility in Cumbria (Millom), the UK market represents Tornado’s largest at 70 percent, however the Company has considerable and growing export sales in Ireland and the rest of Europe and sees the US as a significant growth opportunity. Revenue and EBIT over the 12-month period to the end of November 2021 was approximately £34.7m and £5.2m respectively.

Tornado has also amassed a wide range of international suppliers who share the Company’s commitment to delivering high quality products. The Company invests heavily in its loyal and dedicated workforce, approximately 100 employees, and is accredited as an IIP Gold Employer.

The existing management team will remain in the business led by Managing Director Kenny Campbell and supported by Director of Operations Jonathan Miller and Financial Director Lynn Hall who will remain in their existing senior roles within the company.

Tornado was advised by an Alantra team led by partner Simon Peacock. He was supported by Mike Falzon and Tom Nash.

Simon Peacock, partner at Alantra and lead advisor on the transaction commented, “Tornado has established itself as the UK’s leading provider of premium branded animal fencing products. As a family-owned business founded over 50 years ago, finding the right partner for the company and its employees was paramount for the owners. Storskogen’s unique model provides Tornado with a bridge between private ownership and a new long-term owner that offers an exciting opportunity to help the business continue to prosper while maintaining its brand and culture.”

Kenny Campbell, Managing Director of Tornado Group, said, “When I joined Tornado in 1976 it was a small fence contracting business based in Scotland. There have been many changes since then as it grew into the market leader of agri fencing in the UK with significant export sales. I am delighted to be partnering with Storskogen as they clearly share our culture, values and long-term approach; we are ambitious for further success but only when it is achieved in a sustainable and ethical way. I am proud of what we have achieved so far and excited about the future as part of the Storskogen group.”

Tornado will join the business area Industry headed by Fredrik Bergegård.

Fredrik Bergegård, EVP and Head of Business Area, Industry, commented, “We are extremely impressed with Tornado, in particular their long history and tradition as well as their capacity to innovate and deliver premium products. Tornado and its fantastic employees is a perfect partner for Storskogen, and we look forward to supporting their expansion into new markets.”

Tornado was also advised by The Wilkes Partnership (Gareth O’Hara, Senior Partner, and Helen Smart, Associate Solicitor).