PwC’s Debt and Capital Advisory team has acted as Debt Advisor to ASCO Group Limited (“ASCO”), on its first debt raise following Endless LLP’s (“Endless”) acquisition of the business in 2023.
ASCO, a leading provider of shore-side logistics and marine management services with a history spanning more than 50 years, operates across 20 key international locations, supporting clients and projects in the oil and gas, decommissioning and offshore renewable energy sectors.
Through the Endless acquisition and the new debt facilities, ASCO can maximise the advantages of both near and longer term growth opportunities. The company will continue to play an important role in supporting the evolving needs of the energy industry, in the UK and internationally.
The new £80.2m asset-based lending facility was structured and is led by BZ, with support from club partner Leumi ABL. The complex, comprehensive funding package consists of receivables, work in progress, property and a cash flow loan, with facilities secured across the UK, Norway and Canada.
HSBC has committed to continue supporting the business through the provision of ancillary banking facilities.
The PwC Debt and Capital Advisory team advising on the deal was led by Richard Siddall, with support from Chris Hawes, Kristian Randall, Bella Zaritski and Pavan Mohan.
Phillip Scott, Laura Swift and Lauren Hall at Walker Morris provided legal advice to the company.
“This transaction with BZ and Leumi is a transformative step forward for ASCO, significantly strengthening our balance sheet. It enables the Group to accelerate our growth strategy and capitalise on the numerous opportunities we see in both current and future markets. Throughout this complex deal, the PwC team provided us with strong guidance as we navigated the negotiations. We also received incredible support from Endless and our legal advisors in successfully delivering this facility, and we look forward to our partnership with BZ and Leumi helping us achieve our growth aspirations across the entire energy industry.”
“ASCO is an important investment for Endless and we’re delighted to have completed this transaction with a lender group that can accommodate the multi-jurisdictional elements of the business and, alongside Endless, support their continued growth. This refinancing was the outcome of a very well-run and structured process from start to finish from the PwC team.”
“The competitive nature of the process confirms the strong market appetite for robust and well-positioned businesses like ASCO. We are confident that the business, with its expert leadership, supportive owner and collaborative lenders, is well placed to deliver on the opportunities presented by the global energy transition.”
“ASCO’s vision to strengthen its position as a leading global provider of supply base operations to the energy industry is compelling, and PwC is delighted and proud to have been given the opportunity to deploy its experienced, cross-functional Debt and Capital Advisory team to assist Endless and the business in conveying this story to the debt markets, and structure the right facilities for the company. The comprehensive funding package, led by BZ with support from club partner Leumi ABL, ensures ASCO can capitalise on the growing renewables market while continuing to support its existing customer base.”
Partner, Head of Debt & Capital Advisory, PwC United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)7595 610101