CG Guides Successful MBO for Security Distributor
CG
2
Minute Read
25 Jun 2025
CG Guides Successful MBO for Security Distributor
CG
2
Minute Read
25 Jun 2025
We’re proud to have supported the successful management buyout of Quality Essential Distributions (QED), a Lancashire-based supplier of security and data equipment that has been operating since 1997 and employs around 30 people.
Based in Preston, QED supplies a wide range of products including surveillance cameras and displays, facial recognition systems, and data cabinets. Its impressive client base includes names like Mitie Security and ADT Fire and Security.
The business has been acquired by its Sales Director, Ian Garden, from majority shareholders David Arrowsmith and Ian Smith. The buyout was funded through a combination of a cash flow term loan and an invoice discounting facility provided by HSBC. This marks a smooth and well-planned exit for the previous owners, and a clear opportunity for Ian—now Managing Director—to lead QED into its next stage of growth. Ian said;
"QED is a fantastic business that has grown steadily over the past 28 years. Having worked in similar industries for around 15 years, including the last six at QED, I’ve seen just how much potential we have to keep building on our momentum and increasing our market share. It’s been a privilege to work closely with David and Ian, and I’m excited to now take the reins and lead us into a new chapter."
The corporate finance team at MHA, led by Andrew Feeke and supported by Sam Singleton, acted as lead advisers to Ian throughout the acquisition. Sam commented;
"The growth of AI analytics and cloud computing continues to drive expansion in the surveillance market both here in the UK and globally. This transaction represents the best possible outcome for everyone involved—giving David and Ian the freedom to pursue new ventures, while enabling Ian Garden to realise QED’s full growth potential. We were pleased to support the buyer throughout and look forward to seeing QED thrive under Ian’s leadership."
We were pleased to act as legal advisers to the acquirer, with Benjamin Dredge, Victoria Brown, and Hannah Simmons leading the transaction.
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