We advised the owners of Ramtech, the innovative UK wireless safety and security solutions business, on their sale to Halma Plc.

The acquisition by Halma will support Ramtech’s ambitions to enter new global markets and invest in a substantial product roadmap. Halma is a global group of life-saving technology companies. Ramtech will join a number of companies in the safety and fire detection markets that are part of the FTSE 100 company’s portfolio.

Nottingham-headquartered Ramtech turns over £10m annually, employs 65 people and is rapidly expanding in terms of the products and services it offers. Ramtech will become part of Halma’s safety division but will operate independently, retaining its name and brand. Ramtech’s senior team will remain with the company, including Andy Hicks, the company’s managing director and one of Ramtech’s co-owners before the sale. Halma divisional chief executive Charles Lombard will join Ramtech as chairman.

Andy Hicks said: “It is the right time for Ramtech to enter its next phase of expansion and achieve truly global growth. The investment and access to Halma’s expertise and global network are all essential ingredients in helping the company achieve this. Our ‘customer-first’ approach will remain, and we don’t see that passion for our customers changing in any way.”

Corporate partner Mark Rutherford led the Gateley team and was supported by solicitors Charlie Scott and Daniella Sirovica and paralegal Harry Rowe; partner Anna Mayfield led on the Banking & Finance aspects of the transaction, working closely with our Private Wealth and Family team; the wider team comprised of Tax partners James Gopsill and Jim Hillan; Tax associate David Williams; Employment solicitor Natasha Cole and Data Protection partner Toni Vitale. 

 

Mark Rutherford commented: “We are delighted to have been involved in transitioning Ramtech into the next phase of its development. Gateley acted for Andy Hicks and his colleague, Tony McMichael when they bought the business in a management buy-out in 2005 and we have looked after the Company’s legal affairs ever since. This is an exciting opportunity for everyone involved in the Company.”

Andy Hicks commented: “Tony and I have worked with Gateley for 16 years since our MBO of the business in 2005. Throughout that time they have acted for us on a complete range of legal matters including supporting us as we started to export our products, helping us purchase our first premises in Nottingham, helping us to react quickly to recent COVID challenges and finally helping us to sell our business to Halma.  They have been there to support and guide us through both the good and challenging times that every business owner faces. We have always found their advice practical and commercially focused and we have always felt we are dealing with professionals who understand our business and really understand what we are trying to achieve.”

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