Arbuthnot Commercial ABL funding fuels MCL growth ambitions

Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending (ACABL) has provided a tailored funding package to support M&L Holdings Limited’s management buy-in of Merebrook Consulting Limited (MCL), an established environmental and engineering consultancy.

The funding structure, which includes a Confidential Invoice Discounting line, Growth Guarantee Scheme and cash flow loans, facilitated MCL’s carve-out from Spanish multinational IDOM SAU (IDOM). The package also provides financial flexibility to support future acquisitions as part of M&L Holdings’ wider growth strategy.

Founded in 1997, MCL has built a strong reputation for technical expertise in environmental and engineering consultancy, operating from offices in Kent, Derbyshire and the North West. Its services cover contaminated land assessment, remediation, geotechnical investigation and construction-phase support for clients across infrastructure, construction, energy and redevelopment sectors.

The business was acquired by IDOM in 2008. Following years of collaboration, IDOM chose to divest MCL to concentrate on its global portfolio of large-scale architectural and engineering projects.

The acquisition by M&L Holdings marks the start of a wider plan to assemble a group of complementary engineering consultancies serving the UK’s construction and built environment industries.

Mark Lavender, CEO of M&L Holdings Limited, said the partnership with Arbuthnot was key to completing the deal and setting the foundation for future growth.

“From my initial calls with Arbuthnot, it was clear they were genuinely interested in the business,” Lavender said. “Very quickly, we were able to filter out those lenders who were only interested in doing an immediate deal. I needed a partner who could not only help us complete this deal but also support opportunities as we continue on our acquisition path. The team at Arbuthnot was incredibly supportive, understanding, and personable at every step.”

Andrew Rutherford, Commercial Director at Arbuthnot Commercial ABL, said the funding reflects the bank’s focus on providing flexible solutions for ambitious management teams.

“We were delighted to support Mark with the strategic management buy-in of MCL,” he said. “This transaction demonstrates our commitment to backing experienced leaders with growth strategies. The multi-faceted nature of this funding package reflects our ability to structure a bespoke solution that not only supported the immediate platform acquisition, but also future expansion plans.”