DC Advisory advises the shareholders of Arco on its sale to H.I.G. Capital
Background
- Arco Limited (Arco) is the UK’s leading specialist distributor of safety equipment and provider of site safety services, serving the infrastructure, defense, utilities, and healthcare end-markets
- Founded in 1884 and wholly owned by the Martin family, Arco has built long-standing relationships with a blue-chip, national customer base, underpinned by its brand equity, product audit capabilities, and safety expertise
- H.I.G. Capital (H.I.G) is a leading global alternative investment firm with $75 billion of capital under management, and six affiliate offices across Europe, including London
Process
- DC Advisory acted as financial advisor to the shareholders of Arco on the sale of the business to H.I.G.
- DC Advisory ran a bespoke process, leveraging its expertise in the Safety and Protection sector and senior relationships to engage a competitive group of strategic and financial investors
Outcome
- In September 2026, H.I.G. acquired Arco, with financial terms of the transaction not disclosed
- In parallel with the transaction, the Arco Group Pension and Life Assurance Scheme agreed the transfer of its 1,281 members and approximately £135 million of assets to Clara Pensions, the UK's first commercial pension superfund
- This transaction extends DC Advisory’s significant track record in advising family-owned businesses and further adds to our expertise in specialty distribution and in the Safety and Protection sector
“This transaction is at the heart of DC Advisory’s philosophy of providing the Right Advice and demonstrates the value that we can bring to the shareholders of family and other founder owned companies. The Arco brand is synonymous with keeping people at work safe and this transaction further enhances our reputation as a leading adviser in the Safety sector.”
“Specialty distribution businesses in all sectors are consolidating rapidly in the post-Covid era. With H.I.G.’s capital and expertise, Arco is ideally placed to build on its brand and reputation to become the leading consolidator in its core markets.”
- Industrials
- M&A Advisory
Disclaimer
For more information, please see our transaction disclaimer
For important information regarding testimonials, please see our disclaimer.
