Manchester-based private equity investor, Ardenton Capital, has made a key appointment to the UK team with the appointment of Allan Dunn as Head of Strategic Development.
Allan joins Directors Mike Bradbury and Iain Marlow and will be responsible for working closely with the management teams of Ardenton’s UK investments. He will help drive quality and performance, boost operational efficiency and overcome any obstacles to long-term sustainable growth. Allan will also be responsible for building out Ardenton’s strategic and operational teams in the UK.
Allan brings with him extensive knowledge and experience that will be of significant benefit to both the team at Ardenton and the firm’s portfolio businesses.
Prior to joining Ardenton, Allan was COO at Piksel – joining the business when it was known as Ioko, Allan was instrumental in building the business from 30 employees to a headcount of upwards of 350, eventually being acquired by global company, KIT Digital, for a net consideration of £66million. It was later renamed Piksel. A chartered accountant, Allan has previously also held roles at PWC and Aberdeen Asset Management.
Mike Bradbury, Director at Ardenton Capital, said: “We’re very pleased to have Allan join the growing Ardenton family in the UK. He is a critical hire for us as we aim to bring more than just pound notes to our investments. Allan’s experience growing and improving businesses to ensure their long term success is fundamental to the Ardenton model and we’re incredibly excited about the value he has already brought to both our first investment and the Ardenton organisation.”
Allan said: “Following many great years at Piksel, it was time for a new challenge. My role at Ardenton allows me to use my experience to help ambitious businesses to achieve their potential, and I was also drawn to Ardenton’s strategy of investing with a long-term focus, which offers the opportunity to really get under the skin of a business and make a difference.”
Lee Sweeney, Executive Director of Sharp Consultancy Ltd, the Northern based financial recruitment and search business was retained by Ardenton Capital for this strategic hire.
Lee added: “Allan’s blend of corporate finance, private equity and board-level financial and operational management experience made him a stand-out candidate for this role. It was a unique opportunity within the market and Ardenton Capital proved a great business to partner with. I look forward to watching the team progress.”
Ardenton was founded in 2010 as Regimen Capital and is targeting to invest £100million in 2017 and around £500million over the next five years globally. In the UK, the business will invest in businesses with an EBITDA of around £2million – £10million and differs from a typical private equity fund as it seeks long-term investments with no intention to divest the businesses in line with other private equity cycles.
Ardenton is open-ended and is perpetually raising funds from high-net-worth and institutional investors in North America offering a fixed and paid income return. The business plans to begin fund raising in the UK later in 2017.
