Azets advises SJA Group on investment deal with Key Capital Partners

Private equity house Key Capital Partners has completed a £9.1m investment in SJA Group, an integrated property services provider. The deal sees Key acquire a significant minority stake in the business.

Azets acted as the lead corporate finance advisor to the SJA management team, introducing them to Key Capital Partners and managing the transaction to a successful conclusion.

Kent-based SJA’s core services include interior and exterior cleaning and front-of-house concierge services to commercial landlords and tenants. It has built a vertically integrated model through the acquisition of Regency Real Estate in 2020 and creation of Enecto, and now provides an end-to-end property management service to its clients.

Partner James Excell said: “We are excited to partner with SJA. The team have built a highly competitive end-to-end service offering to meet the increasing demands from commercial property clients. The market in which the Group operates in is large and possesses credible growth opportunities, which were key considerations for our investment.”

The highly experienced management team, led by co-founders Adrian Deane and Sam Prett, Regency chief executive Phil Dale and chief operating officer Sam Stokes, Enecto operations director Alan Sillince and SJA operations director James Lyons will remain in the business and be supported by incoming non-executive chair Colin Dobell, who formerly founded the care and custody division within Mitie plc.

Sam Prett said, “On behalf of the SJA board, we are delighted to be partnering with Key. Their understanding of SJA’s business model and strong cultural fit with the team were important considerations when choosing them as our investment partner. Key share our passion for providing high-quality services and their track record of supporting high-growth SMEs leaves SJA Group well positioned to capitalise on future growth opportunities”.

David Ellis, Corporate Finance Partner at Azets, commented, “I am really pleased for Sam, Adrian and Phil. They have built a fantastic business and now, with this exciting partnership with Key, they have an ideal partner to continue the success and growth of SJA.”

Adrian Deane added, “I am absolutely delighted. Dave advised us every step of the way and the services of Azets were invaluable in this successful transaction.”