How we work with US private equity
A fully owned and integrated US presence
LAVA works with US private equity and institutional investors looking to unlock opportunities and realise investments in the UK and Europe.
From identifying and accessing the right UK acquisition opportunities, to positioning and selling UK portfolio companies to the strongest possible buyer universe, LAVA combines deep local market knowledge with dedicated international reach to deliver the best possible outcome for your investment.
Speak to LAVA Partner Carlo Porreca, our on-the-ground expert in the US PE scene, to find out how we can help.
Cross-border expertise
We leverage the diverse experience of our whole team alongside our Partners' sector specialisms to explore interesting themes and emerging trends across industries so we can bring US investors the most exciting, entrepreneurial UK companies available for investment or acqusition.
Here are some of the fantastic deals we've worked on with US involvement:
Aerospace & Defence
Healthcare & HealthTech
ESG & Professional Services
Frequently asked questions
Where are the best opportunities for US private equity in the UK mid-market?
The UK mid-market offers a deep pool of high-quality, founder-led businesses, including in fragmented sectors with significant scope for consolidation and buy-and-build. The best opportunities aren’t always the most visible, though. We help US investors understand where the market is moving, where their investment thesis translates well to the UK, and where the right businesses can be found.
How can US PE firms originate proprietary and off-market opportunities in the UK?
Finding the right UK opportunities takes more than building a target list. We combine detailed market mapping with longstanding local relationships and direct access to founders and owners, helping US investors identify, qualify and approach businesses that fit their investment criteria, including opportunities that aren’t already in a competitive process.
How do you translate a US investment thesis into a UK acquisition pipeline?
We start with what makes a compelling investment for you, then apply it to the realities of the UK market. That means identifying the sectors, subsectors and businesses that genuinely fit your thesis, prioritising the strongest, most deliverable opportunities and opening the right conversations, giving you a focused, actionable UK pipeline rather than a long list of names.
How can US-backed portfolio companies most easily execute a UK buy-and-build strategy?
LAVA helps US sponsors and their portfolio companies turn UK expansion plans into an executable acquisition strategy. From market mapping and target identification to founder engagement, transaction execution and repeat bolt-on programmes, we provide the local resource and relationships needed to build scale in the UK.
What catches US investors out when executing UK deals?
UK and US M&A have plenty in common, but there are important differences in market practice, deal structures, process dynamics and regulation. Even areas such as deal certainty, warranties, disclosures and pricing mechanisms can be approached differently. We help US investors navigate those differences without overcomplicating them, and have a deep understanding of the less tangible nuances of dealing with UK founders, management teams and advisers.
How do you maximise value when exiting a UK portfolio company?
A UK asset shouldn’t be limited to an obvious UK buyer universe. We combine local knowledge of the business and its market with access to strategic and financial buyers in the UK, US and internationally, positioning the investment around the value it's created and building genuine competitive tension around the opportunity.
Planning your next transaction?
Speak with Carlo about how LAVA can support your UK acquisition, exit or portfolio growth plans in the US.
