Sale of BGF-backed BB7 to Certania Group

Transaction

Sell-side

Undisclosed

Role

Adviser to BGF-backed BB7 on its sale to Certania Group

Sector

Business Services

Region

We have advised BGF’s portfolio company, BB7, a national fire safety consultancy, on its sale to Certania Group, a testing, inspection, certification and research company. This transaction marks a successful exit for investors BGF. Our combined team provided M&A, Debt Advisory, Modelling & Data Analytics and ESG Advisory support.

During the partnership with BGF, BB7 has grown into the UK’s leading specialist consultancy in fire and façade engineering. Operating in a highly regulated market with increasingly stringent legislative requirements, BB7 plays a critical role in helping clients meet compliance standards and navigate complex safety frameworks. The growth capital investment enabled BB7 to execute a buy-and-build strategy, including the acquisition of Manchester-based Omega Fire and Ireland-based Goldsmith Engineering. BGF also supported the business in expanding its senior leadership team, introducing new systems and processes, and embedding a stronger data-led approach to decision making.

Now a B-Corp certified business with Best Companies recognition, BB7 operates from ten offices and employs nearly 200 people. Post-transaction, founder and CEO of BB7, Ben Bradford, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, Certania Group - Buildings & Infrastructure Division leading a buy and build strategy to create a market-leading inter-disciplinary platform.

More about the process

The M&A team played a central role in shaping the transaction from the outset. Proactive preparation of key data enhanced the credibility of the equity story and set the stage for an efficient process. While strategic management of strong interest from private equity and trade parties ensured high competitive tension, enabled positive bidder negotiations and an impressive outcome for our client. In parallel, a targeted M&A pipeline was developed to support BB7’s growth strategy and enhance positioning, contributing to the overall narrative and buyer conviction.

Our Debt Advisory team engaged a focused group of lenders, all of whom responded positively with credit-approved terms, signalling strong support for the transaction.

To support the deal, our Modelling & Data Analytics team delivered a tailored financial model that translated BB7’s strategic plan into clear, robust forecasts. The model enabled buyers to explore key performance drivers and test sensitivities, helping validate the business case and strengthen engagement throughout due diligence. Its flexibility and clarity proved essential in articulating the long-term growth narrative and reinforcing confidence in the numbers.

The ESG team conducted a comprehensive Health Check to assess BB7’s alignment with market expectations and readiness for due diligence. They leveraged the company’s B Corp journey to highlight its positive environmental and social impact, and integrated BB7’s strategic ESG approach into its market positioning. Their efforts ensured clear communication of BB7’s differentiated proposition and the value creation opportunities that support its continued growth.

BB7 is a standout business with a clear market proposition, underpinned by its technical expertise, and focus on sustainability and ESG standards in the built environment. The deal provides a fantastic platform for further growth under Certania’s ownership. It is a great example of Clearwater’s collaborative model, leveraging M&A, Modelling & Data Analytics to Debt Advisory, combined with deep sector knowledge and an international platform, to access global buyers and deliver fantastic outcomes for our clients. It also marks Clearwater’s third TIC deal in 2025 and follows on the back of the sale of HSL Compliance to IK Partners.
Mark Maunsell, Head of TIC and Partner, Clearwater

We saw strong lender appetite from the outset, with credit-approved terms across the board. The process benefited from clear positioning and focused outreach, helping to secure solid support for the transaction.
Simon Chambers, Head of Debt Advisory and Partner, Clearwater

Clearwater really understood our business and what truly mattered to us. Their tailored buyer outreach and sector expertise guided strong interest, and maintained transparency throughout the process. Clear communication and strategic input made a complex transaction feel seamless. Their support was invaluable in helping us achieve a great outcome.

With BGF, we set out an ambitious plan to build the UK’s leading fire and façade engineering consultancy. We have delivered that vision and created a stronger, more resilient business. Their growth capital and strategic support have helped us to expand nationwide, make acquisitions, and professionalise the business. I would like to thank the entire BB7 team. I’m hugely proud of what we have achieved together and excited for BB7’s next chapter with Certania.
Ben Bradford, CEO, BB7

Clearwater were a trusted adviser throughout the BB7 transaction. Their ability to manage a competitive process, coordinate across multiple workstreams, and maintain momentum was key to delivering a successful exit. The team’s sector knowledge and structured approach gave us confidence at every stage.

This is a fantastic result for BGF and for Ben and his team. From the outset, Ben has shown vision and leadership in building BB7 into the UK’s leading specialist in its field, and it has been a privilege to support that journey. The business has grown significantly under our partnership and is now well positioned for its next phase of growth with Certania.
Jane Gilbert Boot, Investor, BGF

Clearwater delivered an exceptional, acquisition-ready financial model that was clear, intuitive, and robust throughout the diligence process. It was a pleasure working with the team, who were highly knowledgeable, superbly technical, and constantly available to us, including post build completion to assist with answering queries throughout the process. The business will use the model for years to come.
Koby Dankwah, CFO, BB7