Arbuthnot Commercial ABL supports the MBO of compressed air specialist ACL Engineering Limited

Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending (ACABL) has completed a comprehensive funding package to support the management buyout (MBO) of ACL Engineering Limited (ACL), a leading installer and maintainer of compressed air systems and Atlas Copco Premier Distributor. 

This comprises an invoice discounting line, a cash flow loan, and a Growth Guarantee Scheme loan. Together, these facilities enabled Finance Director Steven Smithard and his wife Kate to acquire the business, supporting the retirement of the founder and majority shareholder. 

Based in Watford and founded over 45 years ago, ACL specialises in the design, supply, installation, and maintenance of compressed air systems for industries including manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and food processing. The business was originally a local service provider but has grown to become a regional leader with mobile engineering teams operating across London, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Middlesex, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and Sussex. In recent years, ACL has invested in energy-saving technologies, including digital air leak detection, energy audits, and air recovery systems, supporting clients’ sustainability and cost-efficiency goals.

Steven Smithard, Finance Director of ACL Engineering Limited, said:  

"Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending made the whole process very easy. They explained everything clearly and were always available to talk, with regular calls to check everything was progressing well. They arranged a surveyor to come in within days and our Arbuthnot account manager was excellent throughout. When it came to choosing a lender, the key factors were how much they could provide and the terms available. The technology is good too, we can see the latest position across all our accounts at any time. If you’re considering an MBO, I would have no hesitation in recommending Arbuthnot".

Vincent Walker, Director, Business Development at Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending Limited, said:  

"ACL is a well-established business with a loyal client base and deep sector expertise within the management team. This MBO transaction required a blended facility to achieve the right quantum to fund the purchase consideration. We look forward to supporting the team in the next phase of the business’s growth."

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Registered in England and Wales no. 10915339. Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending Limited’s registered office is Arbuthnot House, 20 Finsbury Circus, London, EC2M 7EA. Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending is not authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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