Alantra has advised Phoenix Equity Partners on its MBO of Ava Group

Aug 2021

Buy-side advisory

Alantra has advised Phoenix Equity Partners (‘Phoenix’) on the MBO of secure logistics provider, Ava Global (‘Ava’), from its listed Australian parent Ava Risk Group (‘ARG’).

Ava is a market leading provider of secure international logistics and storage solutions. Ava has thrived under ARG’s ownership since it was founded in 2016, and has developed into the highest quality service provider in the high value logistics sector, operating in over 70 countries. 

Ava has reached a size and scale such that the management team, led by Chris Fergus (Chief Executive Officer) and James Alston (Chief Financial Officer), were keen to establish Ava as an independent business to take advantage of the numerous further growth opportunities. This transaction will enable Ava to invest in its people, technology and infrastructure to accelerate its growth and enhance its service offering.

Phoenix has deep experience supporting high growth, international logistics businesses, including Palletways, ASCO and GFS. Tim Dunn, Partner, and Richard Hill, Investment Director, from Phoenix will join the Ava board of directors at completion.

The transaction extends Alantra’s experience advising high growth logistics businesses. The Alantra team comprised Steve Currie, Robert Young, Harry Sparks and Harry Caro.

Robert Young, Director at Alantra, said: “Ava has experienced exceptional growth of 70% CAGR, led by a highly experienced and ambitious management team who now see the opportunity to take the business to the next level. With the experience and support of Phoenix, Ava can enhance its capabilities, service offering and achieve further substantial growth as an independent entity.”