Abtec Group secures investment from Cow Corner

Transaction

Sell-side

Undisclosed

Role

Adviser to Abtec Group on its investment from Cow Corner

Sector

Tech & Tech Services

Region

We have advised Abtec Group, a leading provider of critical networking, specialist cloud and managed services, responsible for some of the most complex built environment networks in Europe, on its investment from Cow Corner.

Abtec Group comprises Abtec Network Systems (ANS), a leading provider of Networking, Connectivity, Cloud, and Managed Services, alongside Abtec Building Technologies (ABT), a specialist provider of building automation, environmental and security controls within the built environment.

Together, ANS and ABT form an integrated technology platform. The strategic combination of deep networking expertise with market‑leading building and energy control capabilities enables Abtec Group to serve its clients across a network’s lifecycle from initial design and deployment through to ongoing monitoring and managed services. Drawing on its core networking and connectivity expertise, Abtec has also developed extensive WAN and private cloud solutions that serve multi‑site clients across the UK and Europe.

The Group serves a range of end markets, but has developed a deep specialism within the built environment including complex structures, such as Everton Football Club’s new stadium, for which ANS designed and delivered the network and wireless infrastructure, as well as the fast‑growing data centre sector where it has delivered some of the most important critical infrastructure networks in Europe. Abtec Building Technologies complements these capabilities by delivering environmental and security controls, building management systems and energy management systems across many of the same end markets.

Cow Corner’s investment will support Abtec Group’s next phase of growth, strengthening its ability to capitalise on increasing demand for its network solutions. The partnership will enable continued investment across the Group’s platform, accelerating growth and enhancing its position in a competitive and fast‑moving market.

From the outset, Clearwater took the time to truly understand what we wanted to achieve from the transaction. They brought deep domain insight into how investors view the sector, which enabled us to position Abtec in a way that was both authentic and highly compelling. Clearwater were a genuine partner throughout, challenging us where needed but always remaining anchored to our objectives, and their sector expertise was critical in delivering a result that exceeded our expectations.
Andy Beynon, Managing Director, Abtec Network Systems and Director, Abtec Building Technologies

Abtec has developed a differentiated proposition at the intersection of IT infrastructure and smart buildings, with a strong presence in the built environment and the rapidly growing data centre market. The Group’s integrated approach – spanning core network infrastructure through to building, energy and security systems – is increasingly in demand as these environments become more complex. We’re pleased to have supported the team through the transaction and to have helped secure an investment partner aligned with Abtec’s growth ambitions.
Joe Dyke, Partner, Clearwater

It’s been a pleasure working with Andy and the Abtec team on this transaction. The company has built a highly differentiated position at the interface between networking infrastructure and the built environment, underpinned by deep technical expertise that drives success across its specialist niches. With strong structural tailwinds as buildings and data centres become increasingly connected, Abtec is exceptionally well positioned to build on its momentum and capture the next phase of market growth. We look forward to continuing to advise the team as they execute on this next chapter.
Robert Umpleby, Director, Clearwater

For us, partnering with Abtec represents the opportunity to support a deeply knowledgeable team, providing complex specialist services into a growing market we know well. This adds to our existing investments providing services and software into the built environment and, in particular, the growing data center market. We look forward to working alongside the Abtec team and continuing to invest behind the opportunity.
Charlie Ross, Partner, Cow Corner