Arbuthnot Commercial ABL supports Simplex-Turbulo's strategic acquisition

Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending (ACABL) has supported Simplex-Turbulo Limited (Simplex), part of SLX Group, in its strategic acquisition of Clements Engineering Ltd, a leading UK designer and manufacturer of propellers, marine shafts, and ancillary equipment.

ACABL structured a comprehensive £1.3 million funding package, comprising an £800,000 cash flow loan and a £500,000 Confidential Invoice Discounting line. The facility was designed to support the acquisition, maintaining operational flexibility as SLX Group transitions stock holdings from the UK to Germany. The cash flow loan was structured against SLX Group’s overall position rather than solely Clements’ assets, maximising flexibility and ensuring optimal funding availability.

Established over 40 years ago in Bedfordshire, Clements Engineering operates its own foundry, workshops, and computer numerical control (CNC) machinery, earning recognition as one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of propellers, marine shafts, stern tube assemblies, and ancillary equipment. The acquisition represents a strong and strategic fit for Simplex, with Clements Engineering’s focus on smaller vessels opening a complementary new market segment for Simplex.

Marcus Poole, Finance Director at SLX Group, said:  

"Arbuthnot Commercial ABL has been fantastic to work with. They took a holistic view of our objectives and understood what we were looking to achieve. They’re very responsive, and we have open conversations. Their ability to move quickly and make decisions without lengthy processes is worth its weight in gold.

With this facility in place, our sales team can open up global markets for Clements. The combination of their product range and manufacturing capability allows us to significantly expand our offering. We plan to significantly expand Clements’ footprint over the next two to three years and are already developing plans to support that growth early next year.

Kevin Craven, Commercial Director at Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending Limited, said  

"We are pleased to support Simplex-Turbulo through this strategically aligned acquisition. The flexible financing structure, combining invoice discounting with cash flow lending, creates a solid foundation for the Group’s growth ambitions. We believe in relationship-driven partnerships, and we’re committed to supporting new value-creation opportunities as they emerge."

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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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