UK - Cooper Parry, have originated and led a £12 million buy-out of Datapath Limited. Cooper Parry's Corporate Finance team advised the shareholders throughout the transaction which saw venture capitalists Foresight invest £3 million, with NatWest providing debt through their Structured Debt Solutions team.

Datapath, which is based in Derby, supplies graphics cards and other products used mainly to control large screen videowall displays. More than 50% of all videowalls installed worldwide use Datapath equipment. With revenues close to £10 million and growing at 30% plus per annum, the company looks well-positioned to build on its market leading position.

Steve De'Ath, director of Datapath, commented: "This investment underlines the company's market leading position. It also gives us a platform to attract talented individuals and strengthen the management, enabling us to implement the next phase of our strategy."

Cooper Parry corporate finance adviser, Sally Saunders says: "We have worked intensively with Steve and Tony over the past two years to identify a financial partner which would allow them to crystallise the value created today, whilst retaining a significant stake in the business. The transaction will allow the business to capitalise on the significant opportunities for further growth."

(Jim Evans)


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