{"id":853,"date":"2023-02-21T15:01:54","date_gmt":"2023-02-21T15:01:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bishopsgatecf.co.uk\/?post_type=deals&p=853"},"modified":"2024-01-04T15:04:13","modified_gmt":"2024-01-04T15:04:13","slug":"exponent-private-equity-acquired-by-bullitt-group","status":"publish","type":"deals","link":"https:\/\/www.bishopsgatecf.co.uk\/deals\/exponent-private-equity-acquired-by-bullitt-group\/","title":{"rendered":"Exponent Private Equity acquired by Bullitt Group"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#ffffff” bg_image=”3529″ bg_position=”center center” background_image_loading=”default” bg_repeat=”no-repeat” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”10%” bottom_padding=”1%” left_padding_desktop=”2%” constrain_group_2=”yes” right_padding_desktop=”2%” top_padding_tablet=”40%” bottom_padding_tablet=”5%” top_padding_phone=”40%” bottom_padding_phone=”5%” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” zindex=”2″ overflow=”hidden” class=”border-inner-background bottom mobile-rounded-all bg-white” enable_gradient=”true” color_overlay_2=”#000000″ overlay_strength=”0.5″ gradient_direction=”top_to_bottom” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” el_class=”header-hide” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]\n

Exponent Private Equity Acquired By Bullitt Group<\/h1>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][nectar_btn size=”medium” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” color_override=”#ffffff” solid_text_color_override=”#212121″ icon_family=”none” button_id=”back-button” text=”Back” url=”\/latest-deals”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”2%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”2%” left_padding_desktop=”5%” constrain_group_2=”yes” right_padding_desktop=”5%” top_padding_tablet=”10%” constrain_group_3=”yes” bottom_padding_tablet=”10%” top_padding_phone=”10%” constrain_group_5=”yes” bottom_padding_phone=”10%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column bottom_padding_desktop=”0″ bottom_padding_tablet=”5%” bottom_padding_phone=”5%” column_element_direction_desktop=”horizontal” column_element_direction_tablet=”horizontal” column_element_direction_phone=”horizontal” column_element_alignment=”center” column_element_spacing=”50px” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”center” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”5\/12″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”advanced” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”advanced” gradient_type=”default” offset=”vc_col-xs-3″]
\r\n \"Client\r\n <\/div>\r\n [\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”center” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/6″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default” offset=”vc_col-xs-12″][image_with_animation image_url=”520″ image_size=”full” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” el_class=”arrow”][\/vc_column][vc_column top_padding_desktop=”0″ top_padding_tablet=”5%” top_padding_phone=”5%” column_element_direction_desktop=”horizontal” column_element_direction_tablet=”horizontal” column_element_direction_phone=”horizontal” column_element_alignment=”center” column_element_spacing=”50px” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”center” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”5\/12″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”advanced” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”advanced” gradient_type=”default” offset=”vc_col-xs-3″]
\r\n \"To\r\n <\/div>\r\n [\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”2%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”2%” left_padding_desktop=”5%” constrain_group_2=”yes” right_padding_desktop=”5%” left_padding_tablet=”2%” constrain_group_4=”yes” right_padding_tablet=”2%” left_padding_phone=”2%” constrain_group_6=”yes” right_padding_phone=”2%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column top_padding_desktop=”5%” constrain_group_100=”yes” bottom_padding_desktop=”5%” left_padding_desktop=”8%” constrain_group_101=”yes” right_padding_desktop=”8%” left_padding_tablet=”5%” constrain_group_103=”yes” right_padding_tablet=”5%” left_padding_phone=”5%” constrain_group_105=”yes” right_padding_phone=”5%” bottom_margin=”0″ bottom_margin_tablet=”10%” bottom_margin_phone=”10%” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”50px” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color=”#eeeeee” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”custom” top_left_border_radius=”25″ top_right_border_radius=”25″ bottom_right_border_radius=”25″ bottom_left_border_radius=”25″ column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” zindex=”1″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”advanced” gradient_type=”default”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bottom_padding=”3%” bottom_padding_tablet=”0″ bottom_padding_phone=”0″ text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” bottom_margin=”0″ bottom_margin_tablet=”5%” bottom_margin_phone=”5%” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1691592072644{margin-bottom: 5px !important;}” el_class=”greyed-out margin-bottom-10px”]Location[\/vc_column_text]
\r\n \"UK\r\n <\/div>\r\n [\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” bottom_margin=”0″ bottom_margin_tablet=”5%” bottom_margin_phone=”5%” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1691592065457{margin-bottom: 5px !important;}” el_class=”greyed-out margin-bottom-10px”]Sector[\/vc_column_text]
\r\n Consumer <\/div>\r\n [\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” bottom_margin=”0″ bottom_margin_tablet=”5%” bottom_margin_phone=”5%” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1691592061887{margin-bottom: 5px !important;}” el_class=”greyed-out margin-bottom-10px”]Deal Type[\/vc_column_text]
\r\n Acquisition <\/div>\r\n [\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” bottom_margin=”0″ bottom_margin_tablet=”5%” bottom_margin_phone=”5%” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1691591726124{margin-bottom: 5px !important;}” el_class=”greyed-out margin-bottom-10px”]Value[\/vc_column_text]
\r\n -<\/span> <\/div>\r\n [\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][vc_column left_padding_desktop=”10%” left_padding_tablet=”0″ left_padding_phone=”0″ column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” zindex=”1″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”advanced” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text el_class=”header-text”]Bishopsgate advised Exponent Private Equity on the acquisition of Bullitt Group, a designer and manufacturer of rugged mobile phones (utilising a number a global brands including Caterpillar, Land Rover and Kodak).[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Bullitt Group, the UK designer of specialist mobile phones, has sold a majority stake to private equity company Exponent and appointed industry veteran Pieter Knook as its new chairman.<\/p>\n

Bullitt, named after the Steve McQueen film, creates mobile phones with well-known brands including Land Rover, Caterpillar, and Kodak. The Reading-based company has been preparing to bring in outside investors to help fund an expansion of the business.<\/p>\n

It fielded interest from US funds, but has agreed to sell a controlling stake to UK fund Exponent, which has invested in a variety of companies including Radley handbags, the vegetarian food brand Quorn, tool hire company HSS and the Racing Post sports paper.<\/p>\n

Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. The original founding team \u2014 Colin Batt, Dave Floyd and Richard Wharton \u2014 will retain stakes in the phone company, as will the Business Growth Fund, which backed it in 2013.<\/p>\n

The company has developed bespoke phones including a rugged handset with a thermal imaging camera for Caterpillar and a camera for Kodak with a lens 20 times the size of that on an iPhone. It is set to reveal the design for its Land Rover-branded handsets later this year.<\/p>\n

Peter Stephens, chief executive of Bullitt, said the Exponent sale was a natural next step for the business. \u201cAs the company matured, it was appropriate to have more institutional support. It has been founder-led for seven years,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Mr Knook spent 17 years at Microsoft, where he ran the company\u2019s mobile business. He joined Vodafone in 2008 to develop its internet and digital strategy and is on the board of TDC, the Danish telecoms company. He replaces Keith Pacey, the former chief executive of electronics retailer Maplin, who joined Bullitt in 2012.<\/p>\n

Bullitt said last year that it was preparing to revive the Marconi brand in Britain by launching new digital radios bearing the famous logo. Mr Stephens said that those plans have now been dropped, as Bullitt focuses on global brands such as CAT.<\/p>\n

The acquisition by Exponent represented an exit for BGF after almost five years of tenure.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_content” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#ffffff” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”2%” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”2%” left_padding_desktop=”5%” constrain_group_2=”yes” right_padding_desktop=”5%” top_padding_tablet=”10%” constrain_group_3=”yes” bottom_padding_tablet=”10%” left_padding_tablet=”2%” constrain_group_4=”yes” right_padding_tablet=”2%” top_padding_phone=”10%” constrain_group_5=”yes” bottom_padding_phone=”10%” left_padding_phone=”2%” constrain_group_6=”yes” right_padding_phone=”2%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column top_padding_desktop=”5%” constrain_group_100=”yes” bottom_padding_desktop=”5%” left_padding_desktop=”5%” constrain_group_101=”yes” right_padding_desktop=”5%” left_padding_tablet=”0%” constrain_group_103=”yes” right_padding_tablet=”0%” left_padding_phone=”0%” constrain_group_105=”yes” right_padding_phone=”0%” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”custom” top_left_border_radius=”25″ top_right_border_radius=”25″ bottom_right_border_radius=”25″ bottom_left_border_radius=”25″ column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” zindex=”1″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”advanced” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text]\n

Bishopsgate Advisors<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”1″ custom_height_tablet=”30″ custom_height_phone=”30″]
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James McBain Allan<\/h3>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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