CASE STUDY: I.M.E Group Ltd

Paul Langford, Director, I.M.E Group Ltd

CHARTING A COURSE FOR THE FUTURE

TC Group advised the shareholders of I.M.E Group Ltd on the successful sale of the business to international maritime leader Damen Shipyards Group.

Based in Hampshire, I.M.E Group has built a strong reputation for delivering mechanical and electrical engineering services to the maritime and energy sectors. From its South Coast facilities, the business provides repair, maintenance and turnkey engineering solutions to customers across the UK.

Led by owners Paul and Tina Langford, I.M.E developed a loyal customer base and a reputation for quality, responsiveness and technical expertise. As the business continued to grow, the shareholders began exploring options that would secure the company’s long-term future while creating opportunities for employees, customers and the wider business.

NAVIGATING A STRATEGIC ACQUISITION

The opportunity emerged through discussions with Damen Shipyards Group, one of the world’s leading shipbuilding and maritime services organisations.

Recognising the strategic fit between the two businesses, TC Group worked closely with the shareholders from the earliest stages of the process. Martyn Smith, Group Managing Partner, initially supported discussions in both the UK and overseas to assess Damen’s interest and understand the potential opportunity. The transaction was then led by Patrick Faughnan and TC Group’s Corporate Finance team, alongside James Allen from TC Legal.

With significant strategic and commercial considerations involved, the process required careful management to ensure momentum was maintained while protecting shareholder value and keeping the owners fully informed throughout.

STEERING THE DEAL TO COMPLETION

TC Group provided end-to-end support across the transaction, including:

• Negotiation of deal terms, structure and transaction mechanics.
• Support throughout the inbound due diligence process.
• Project management of the transaction alongside legal advisers.
• Ongoing support to resolve issues efficiently and keep the deal progressing towards completion.

Working in partnership with the shareholders, the team helped navigate the complexities of the sale process while maintaining focus on achieving a successful outcome aligned with the owners’ personal and commercial objectives.

A STRONGER PLATFORM FOR GROWTH

The transaction successfully completed with Damen Shipyards Group acquiring I.M.E Group.

For Damen, the acquisition strengthens its ability to provide full lifecycle vessel support throughout the UK, enhancing its capabilities in on-site engineering support, repairs, maintenance, docking services and parts provision. For I.M.E, joining a global maritime organisation creates new opportunities for investment, growth and expansion while maintaining the company’s strong presence across the Solent and English Channel markets.

Both businesses recognised a strong cultural fit and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional service to customers, making the acquisition a natural strategic partnership.

SECURING THE NEXT CHAPTER

For Paul and Tina Langford, the transaction was about more than completing a sale. It was about securing the future of the business they had built, creating opportunities for employees, and ensuring continuity for customers and long-standing trading partners.

Reflecting on the transaction, Paul Langford said:

“Huge thanks to TC Group for driving the transaction over the finish line and securing the future of I.M.E for our customers, employees and trading partners, while helping Tina and I achieve our objectives.”