Posted: 9 January 2024

WestBridge expands team as it eyes further growth

PRIVATE equity firm WestBridge has expanded its team with the appointment of Thomas Dutton as senior investment manager.

Working alongside partner Peter Barkley from the firm’s Manchester office, Dutton will be responsible for deal origination, execution and providing support to portfolio companies as a board member.

Prior to joining WestBridge, he was a director at Dow Schofield Watts, where he spent six years and completed over 40 transactions.

Barkley said:

“The WestBridge team has had experience of working with Thomas on a number of deals in recent years and we have all been mightily impressed with his approach. He takes a pragmatic approach to deal making which is appreciated by all parties involved in a transaction.

“Most of our portfolio companies are pursuing strategic buy and build activity and Thomas brings valuable experience in this area. He is also very well connected, which is always a huge asset!

“Meanwhile, WestBridge’s reputation for providing excellent strategic and operational support to businesses through delivery of our value creation model continues apace so he joins us at a particularly exciting time.”

The appointment of Dutton follows a successful 12 months for WestBridge which saw the firm close its third fund; support MBOs at Alpine Fire Engineers, Tryzens and Survey Solutions; support several acquisitions by APEM; win several industry awards; and publish its latest Annual Impact Report which revealed ESG improvements across all portfolio companies.

Since it first launched, WestBridge has completed 20 transactions from its three funds. Of those companies sold to-date,50% have delivered over 4x and 65% over 3x multiples. The firm’s funds are consistently benchmarked in the top quartile for their vintage.