Private equity-backed firm swoops for Derbyshire company

A water and environmental specialist backed by private equity investor LDC has expanded after acquiring a Derbyshire firm.

Stonbury, which is supported by LDC – part of Lloyds Banking Group – has bought arboriculture and environmental services specialist Thompson Group.

It follows a new round of investment in Stonbury from LDC, alongside new minority co-investor Federated Hermes.

Thompsons Group provides commercial tree surgery, vegetation management, tree and ecology surveys, habitat creation, fencing and large-scale tree planting.

LDC first invested in Stonbury in December 2022, with the company subsequently expanding across wastewater, environmental and technology-enabled services.

David Bains, partner and head of East Midlands and East of England at LDC, said: “The Stonbury team has built strong momentum over the past four years.

“This acquisition, of a leading Derbyshire-based business, adds important expertise and geographical reach in environmental services to Stonbury’s existing capabilities – areas where we see real growth potential.

“Our reinvestment reflects our continued confidence in their growth strategy and the market opportunity ahead.”