Strategic funding powers MCL’s carve-out and expansion plans

Arbuthnot Commercial Asset Based Lending (ACABL) has delivered a comprehensive funding package to support M&L Holdings Limited’s management buy-in of Merebrook Consulting Limited (MCL), a well-established environmental and engineering consultancy.

The bespoke facility combines a Confidential Invoice Discounting line, Growth Guarantee Scheme, and cash flow loans. This structured approach not only enabled the corporate carve-out from Spanish multinational IDOM SAU (IDOM), but also provides additional headroom for future acquisitions.

Founded in 1997, MCL earned a reputation as a trusted leader in environmental and engineering consultancy. The company operates offices in Kent, Derbyshire, and the North West of England, serving clients across the infrastructure, construction, energy, and redevelopment sectors. The consultancy’s expertise spans contaminated land assessment, remediation strategies, geotechnical site investigation, and construction-phase support.

IDOM acquired MCL in 2008 and, after many successful years, chose to divest the business to focus on delivering large-scale, global architectural and engineering mega-projects. 

M&L Holdings’ acquisition of MCL marks the beginning of a strategy to build a portfolio of engineering consultancies that will form a nationwide, multi-disciplined, customer-focused group serving the construction and built environment industries. . 

Mark Lavender, CEO of M&L Holdings Limited, said:  

"From my initial calls with Arbuthnot, it was clear they were genuinely interested in the business. Very quickly, we were able to filter out those lenders who were only interested in doing an immediate deal and weren’t overly keen on supporting future acquisitions. I needed a partner who could not only help us complete this deal but also support opportunities as we continue on our acquisition path. The team at Arbuthnot was incredibly supportive, understanding, and personable at every step.”

Andrew Rutherford, Commercial Director at Arbuthnot Commercial ABL, said:

"We were delighted to support Mark with the strategic management buy-in of MCL. This transaction demonstrates our commitment to backing experienced leaders with growth strategies, and our personal approach to understanding each client’s unique needs. The multi-faceted nature of this funding package reflects our ability to structure a bespoke solution that not only supported the immediate platform acquisition, but also future expansion plans.”

Related pages

Government Growth Scheme  •  Success stories  • Scheme features

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