Bowmark Capital backs £32 million MBO of CSL DualCom

CSL pioneered dual-signalling technology, whereby signals are transmitted over both a traditional fixed telephone line and a wireless network, in the late 1990s. This is now regarded as the standard format for alarm signalling and is specified by all leading insurance companies.

The company has grown rapidly over the past five years. Today, CSL manages the signalling for over 125,000 intruder alarms located in commercial, retail and residential premises across the UK. These are connected to alarm receiving centres via its proprietary communications network, which it has developed in partnership with Vodafone.

The management team is led by CSL’s managing director, Phil Hollett, who has over 25 years’ experience in the security industry, and Simon Banks, commercial director, who co-founded the business in 1996.

Bowmark Capital provided £13 million of equity to finance the transaction, acquiring a majority interest in the company. Octopus extended its debt facilities to £10 million, thereby further supporting CSL’s future growth, having crystallised its equity investment through the sale.

Bowmark’s experience of supporting high-growth companies, coupled with its relationship with CSL’s management team - having tracked the business for the previous two years - were key to the success of the transaction.