Houlihan Lokey Advises Latus Group
Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that Latus Group (Latus), a rapidly growing and tech-enabled occupational health provider, has received a majority investment from private equity firm NorthEdge Capital (NorthEdge).
Headquartered in Hull, England, Latus collaborates with businesses across diverse sectors to deliver world-class health strategies that ensure regulatory compliance, enhance employees’ health and well-being, and boost staff engagement. In addition to delivering strong organic growth, over the past two years, Latus has completed two strategic acquisitions and launched its proprietary health platform, Yodha. The on-demand platform enables customers to access digital health surveillance services, streamlining the user experience and providing better data for leadership.
NorthEdge is a lower-middle-market private equity firm headquartered in the United Kingdom. It is owned and built by its senior team, supported by a global blue-chip investor base, and has £900 million AUM across four regionally focused funds. With a presence in Manchester and Birmingham, the NorthEdge team has a 25-year track record of investing in businesses in the technology, healthcare, and business services sectors with ambitious management teams and significant growth potential.
NorthEdge is backing Latus founders Jack Latus (CEO), Sam Latus (COO), and Will Latus (CIO), alongside Alex Birkett (CFO), and their team of medical specialists and support staff, to deliver an ambitious plan. The investment will support Latus as it continues its strong growth trajectory, and the plan includes additional investment in people and the operational platform, improving commercial effectiveness, investing in customer success, and further investment in technology. In addition, the funds raised will support the business to execute its M&A strategy to facilitate end-market, service-line, and geographical expansion. The deal was funded by NorthEdge Fund III and was led by Phil Frame, Partner, alongside Matthew Mellon and Mike Craven, Investment Managers. Phil Frame will join the board on behalf of NorthEdge, alongside Non-Executive Chair Graham Ewart.
Jack Latus said, “The completion of this investment represents a significant milestone for us. As well as the clear cultural fit and sector experience, the NorthEdge team have already supported us to find an experienced Chair and M&A Director, alongside helping us to refine our organic growth plan and M&A strategy. This investment will allow us to accelerate our growth and further expand our reach, delivering more high-quality occupational health services for our clients.”
Phil Frame said, “Latus is a leader in its field, and the team have the ambition of building a business with strategic and social importance. The business operates in a large and growing market, has a track record of delivering growth, and is committed to introducing new and innovative approaches in the sector to improve health outcomes.” He added, “We are looking forward to working with Jack, Sam, and Will over the coming years to support them to realise our collective ambitions and build a business that we are all proud to be a part of.”
Houlihan Lokey served as the exclusive sellside advisor to Latus. This deal further bolsters Houlihan Lokey’s leading position in occupational healthcare, with the sale of Latus to NorthEdge representing its second transaction in this space in the past six months.
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