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enquiries@buzzacott.co.uk T +44 (0)20 7556 1200
Seller: Rowleys of Northwich Limited
Buyer: Mentmore Capital Partners
Type of deal: Search Fund
Sector: Contract Hire / Fleet Management
Date: April 2025
We are delighted to announce Mentmore Capital’s acquisition of Rowleys of Northwich Limited. The acquisition marks an exciting new chapter in the future of Rowleys with Xan Lowe and Benny Melville continuing the legacy of Richard Rowley (who will remain involved over a transition period).
The Buzzacott team provided Financial and Tax Due Diligence, transaction advisory and also tax structuring services as well as a data dashboard. We look forward to continuing to support Mentmore post-transaction through the live dashboard, which will help Xan and Benny understand performance and key trends and make decisions going forward.
The financial due diligence and transaction advisory team was made up of George Thresh, Alex Judd and Lee D’arcy.
The tax due diligence and structuring team was made up of Kazia Kruszewski, Alastair McQuater and Nicholas Lee.
Mentmore Capital is a UK-based investment firm founded by Xan Lowe and Benny Melville. Mentmore partners with owners to provide succession solutions and long-term stability for their businesses, with a commitment to continuity for staff, customers, and suppliers. Post-acquisition, Mentmore operates businesses directly and works collaboratively with existing teams to preserve legacy while supporting future growth. Backed by experienced entrepreneurs and long-term investors, Mentmore’s approach is grounded by strong principles and a long-term view.
Founded over 44 years ago, Rowleys of Northwich is a leading UK provider of contract hire and fleet management services for commercial vehicles. Operating from its headquarters in the northwest, the company manages a fleet of over 500 vehicles, serving a diverse customer base across various sectors. Rowleys is renowned for its commitment to quality, offering comprehensive maintenance packages and exceptional customer service. The company's reputation is built on long-standing customer relationships and a dedication to delivering reliable, high-quality vehicles tailored to client needs.
"We’re very excited to complete our first acquisition. Richard and the Rowley family have built a fantastic business based on strong customer service, excellent customer retention and a longstanding team of employees."
- Benny Melville, Director of Mentmore Capital
"We’ve appreciated the excellent support George and the Team have given us throughout the transaction. We’re very much looking forward to the months and years ahead and are glad to be working closely with Richard as we transition into the business and build on the great legacy he has built over many years, whilst providing stability for employees, customers and wider stakeholders."
- Xan Lowe, Director of Mentmore Capital
“It was a pleasure to work with Xan and Benny throughout the process. At Buzzacott we very much enjoy the level of involvement Search Fund/ETA transactions require and consider the sector one of our core specialisms. A comprehensive array of services were provided including transaction advisory, structuring and financial and tax due diligence. We look forward to hearing about the continued success of Rowleys under Mentmore’s ownership.”
- George Thresh, Associate Director
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