KBS OVERSEES MAJOR INVESTMENT TO SUPPORT BLACK & WHITE VISION

KBS Corporate has overseen a major investment into Black & White Engineering from private equity company Waterland.

Black & White, founded in 2007, is a multi-award-winning global engineering consultancy which works with 110 clients across 23 countries, delivering innovative and high-quality MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) design engineering solutions for a wide range of industries.

With offices in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia, and a growing team of more than 500 employees, Black & White has become established as a premier engineering design consultancy to top-tier data centres, providing cutting-edge solutions that are efficient and cost-effective with a strong focus on sustainability.

Waterland’s investment represents an exciting opportunity to further enhance Black & White’s impressive track record and bolster its global expansion ambitions. With Waterland as a strategic partner, Black & White aims to broaden support for customers across new geographies and through widening its engineering offering with new specialisms.

Mick Cairns, founder of Black & White, will remain integral to the business, continuing as CEO alongside the existing leadership team who are all remaining with the company following the partnership with Waterland.

“Black & White has grown hugely since the business was founded and I could not be prouder of our team, who have helped us to reach this huge milestone in our journey,” said Mick.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Waterland and leveraging their track record of international growth and acquisition experience. We are looking forward to supercharging the momentum we have built, with Waterland acting as a hands-on partner which supports our vision and ambitions.”

Wendy McMillan, Partner at Waterland Private Equity, added: “Mick Cairns is an impressive entrepreneur who has built an outstanding business.

“We look forward to supporting Mick and the senior team in this next chapter and will continue to back their philosophy of investing in people and working together with the best talent to create a global leader in engineering for the data centre market.

“We will be leveraging our network and expertise in acquisitions and international expansion to help Black & White reach the next level and we are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for the business.”

Dave Gardner, KBS Corporate Finance Managing Director, who advised on the transaction, said: “Black & White is an incredibly dynamic business that has established itself as a true market leader.

“It has been a pleasure working alongside Mick and his exceptionally talented management team, who have created a unique culture and business model that are ingrained seamlessly across the Group’s international operations.

“We have every faith that the partnership with Waterland will lead to an exciting and successful next chapter for Black & White and look forward to following its journey over the coming years.”