Mid-market private equity firm LDC’s South West team has completed three deals with a combined enterprise value of over £175m during what it called a “stellar six-month period” while also stepping up its support for local good causes.
At the same time it has supported its existing portfolio in making significant steps to deliver their growth plans. 
The team’s investments includes Bristol-based independent artisan cake manufacturer Cakesmiths, pictured. LDC partnered with its management team, led by CEO Chris Ormrod and managing director Simon Harris, to support the next stage of its growth journey, including investment in its digital platform, product development and team expansion plans.
The team, helmed by partner and head of South West and Wales Dewi Hughes, also led an £18m minority investment in Hampshire-based global pharmaceutical development organisation TMC Pharma Services.
LDC is now working closely with co-founder and CEO Julie Matthews and COO Carol Woodward to help continue the business’ international expansion plans and double headcount.
In addition, LDC exited its investment in the world’s largest producer of natural history programmes, Bristol-based Plimsoll Productions to ITV.
During its three-year partnership with LDC, Plimsoll’s BAFTA, EMMY and Academy award-winning team invested in the business’s natural history and documentary programming, embarked on its first co-production and completed a strategic acquisition.
LDC said its activity is set to continue following its pledge to invest in 100 medium-sized businesses nationally over the next five years.
Support for LDC’s existing portfolio’s growth plans has also increased since the start of the year.
Bristol-based digital media agency Hybrid, pictured, in which LDC invested £13m just over a year ago, recently launched its first office in the US, while the team has also supported leisure business Zip World to invest in its sites and launch a number of new attractions, the latest being Underground Golf.
LDC-backed Hampshire-based telecoms provider Onecom recently expanded into the South West following its takeover of Bristol-headquartered Solution IP Communications, its second acquisition this year.
Meanwhile, LDC is also increasing its support for local causes, including The Bristol Sport Foundation, Bristol Children’s Hospital official charity The Grand Appeal and the regional branch of The Prince’s Trust.
Through its participation and sponsorship of Break the Cycle – Bristol Sport Foundation and Bristol Bears Community Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser – the team played its part in helping the initiative raise more than £55,000 over the past two years.
It also sponsored Bristol Children’s Hospital’s ‘Make a Move!’ sports day, which provided children diagnosed with cancer or a blood condition a fun day of sporting activities.
In partnership with The Prince’s Trust, LDC is helping the next generation of South West entrepreneurs – such as the founder of Bristol-based canine accessories firm Two Dogs & Co.
In July, LDC announced it had more than doubled its national commitment to The Prince’s Trust to support 10,000 young people to start, sustain and grow their own business.
Dewi Hughes said: “The turbulence of the economic environment is presenting new challenges to business leaders across the South West and Wales.
“However, I am continually impressed by the ambition and quality of the management teams I meet. Their tenacity to succeed and grow remains as strong as ever.
“Having successfully supported businesses to deliver growth plans through every stage of the cycle, our commitment to helping companies to expand and develop remains unchanged.
“We are actively seeking new investment opportunities to support ambitious management teams realise their objectives and navigate the bumps ahead.”
Pictured: The LDC team, with partner and head of South West and Wales Dewi Hughes, seated centre
