North West architectural practice acquired in MBO
Tue, 25 Jun 2024 | MBO/MBI
An architectural practice based in Liverpool and Manchester has been acquired from its founder in a management buyout (MBO). JDA Architects was founded by Bill Jennings in 2000 and will now be taken over by Rob Henderson, Karen O’Reilly and Tom Kelly.
JDA Architects is a medium-sized practice offering services to public and private sector clients across a wide array of industries. The company has undergone significant changes over the past three years, refining its brand as it seeks to focus on pressing built environment issues such as regeneration and sustainability.
The company is further developing its retrofitting offering as it looks to offer affordable, transformative designs to develop and improve existing housing stock.
The incoming leadership team have a combined total of more than 50 years’ experience, with Rob Henderson having joined JDA in 2002, Tom Kelly in 2004 and Karen O’Reilly in 2012. Alongside Bill Jennings, the three have helped to shape the company’s strategic direction over recent years.
The MBO was described as a “logical progression” for JDA and a “continuation” of its existing trajectory, “rather than a radical reinvention”.
Rob Henderson commented: "The opportunities ahead of us are incredible and we are ideally placed to continue delivering for the clients and communities we are proud to work alongside."
In a post on LinkedIn, the company discussed its retrofitting offering, saying: "We want to provide innovative packages to support healthier living through better development of existing housing stock. We're embracing a new era. We're aiming for B Corp certification to show our commitment to positive change as we continue to develop and grow.”
Following the MBO, founder Bill Jennings will remain as an active consultant to JDA, with the company stating: "Bill Jennings has had a lasting impact on the business, giving it a distinctive ethos and a powerful momentum. He will continue to give us his essential support as we take JDA forward."
Discover more about the factors that are driving the growing popularity of MBOs as an exit strategy for UK owners
Share this article
Latest Building and Construction Businesses for Sale
Roofing Company
Norfolk, East of England, UK
This profitable business presents a compelling opportunity for a buyer seeking a well-organised and respected roofing company, and is now offered for sale due to the vendor wishing to retire. This listing is a confidential sale at the vendor's reques...
Window & Conservatory Company
Suffolk, East of England, UK
Established for over 40 years with a turnover in excess of £500,000, the business enjoys limited competition locally. The sale includes the business assets and the lease of the premises will be assigned to the new owner.
Interior Fit-Out & Refurbishment
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, South East, UK
The company’s core activities are interior design, office and premises refurbishment, fit-outs and alterations. Established in 2005, our client operates a cash flow and profit-friendly business with minimal staffing overheads which relies on trusted...