Branching out: Acquisition for South East environmental services group

Chaffin Works, the East Sussex based environmental services business has acquired ETMS Highways Limited (formerly known as Exhibition Traffic Management Services), a Kent headquartered traffic management business.

The acquisition forms part of Chaffin’s wider expansion plan to create synergies within their group of companies, expanding into new and existing markets. The Chaffin Group provides end to end environmental services which include tree surgery, vegetation management, fencing, landscaping, invasive weed control, arboriculture and ecological consultancy for a wide range of partners. Active sectors include Highways, Rail, Local Authority, Developers and Utilities as well as smaller commercial and residential clients, and the acquisition of a successful traffic management business further expands the group’s integrated offerings.

ETMS was established over 30 years ago, when its founder and Chairman, Gerry Kilsby saw the opportunity to create and provide a structured approach to traffic control in the events industry. Over the past 8 years, led by Martin Metcalfe, the Highways division has become a significant force in the industry, with excellent health and safety, quality and staff retention.

Chaffin’s Operations Director, Tom Burks comments “We’re delighted to have completed the acquisition of ETMS which puts us in an even better position to provide a holistic range of services throughout the UK. All of us here at Chaffin Works are very excited to work with Martin and the ETMS Highways team to support them in building on their great foundations and exploring mutual opportunities”

Chaffin appointed specialists from Smith Cooper to oversee the transaction. Their Corporate Finance division, led by Partner Dan Bowtell, worked alongside the owners of Chaffins to formulate, negotiate, and secure the acquisition of ETMS.

“Dan and the team at Smith Cooper took the time to understand our business, creating a really flexible strategy that has helped us fulfil our commercial objectives.”

Dan Bowtell comments “We are really pleased to have advised on another transaction for Chaffins. The business continues to expand organically in the South East and this acquisition adds another service line in the continuing strategy of broadening the products and services offered.”

Smith Cooper Corporate Finance are a multi-award-winning team and have recently been nominated for no less than 5 awards at the prestigious Insider Dealmakers awards.