Hazlewoods Corporate Finance team have advised on the sale of Sentinel Systems, specialists in vehicle safety and camera solutions, which was sold to an entity backed by John Little, the former Managing Director of Fluid Transfer International and board director of Sturrock & Robson UK.
Sentinel provides safety solutions for commercial vehicles. Its patented ‘Safetystop’ auto-braking reversing aid is used on refuse vehicles, road sweepers, delivery vans, large trucks, and trailers. The company also offers CCTV and cyclist protection systems, which are used by blue-chip supermarkets and food-service companies, as well as public service and logistics fleets.
Sentinel was founded in 1986 by Bill Paulson and for the last few years has been managed by his son David.
John Little said: “I am delighted to have acquired the family owned and run business of Sentinel Systems and look forward to continuing the growth journey started by Bill and taken forward by David in more recent years. Moreover, I am excited to by the future growth potential of the business through the expansive existing product range complemented with new innovative product introductions going forward. All of this whilst having the opportunity to work with such an experienced team that prides itself on delivering excellent customer service. I would like to thank Bill and David for their professionalism in handling the sale and business transfer, and pass my best wishes to Bill in his retirement and to David in his future endeavours going forward.”
David Paulson, former shareholder and CEO said: “We are very pleased to hand the business over to John. He has an outstanding track record of business growth and technical excellence, and is committed to developing Sentinel in both UK and overseas markets from its Gloucestershire base. It was important to us to find a buyer who would offer our staff the chance to develop their careers in a growing business, and would be able to take Sentinel to new levels of innovation that will benefit our customers and suppliers.
We sought advice from other professional companies while we were looking for a partner to help us sell the business. Their strong recommendation was Paul Fussell and the Hazlewoods team. They were right. Paul’s support has been exceptional throughout the sale process; he is creative and positive, and has enabled us to achieve a solution which is good for our staff and customers.
We wish John and Sentinel’s staff every success for the future.”
Paul Fussell, Hazlewoods Corporate Finance Partner said: “We are delighted to have advised the Paulson family, who have owned and run Sentinel for over 30 years. We wish Bill Paulson a very happy retirement and his son David Paulson every success in his new role within academia.”
If you would like to discuss a potential transaction and how we can help you, please contact Paul Fussell at paul.fussell@hazlewoods.co.uk or on 01242 680000.