Business law firm DWF has advised Acenta Steel Holdings, the UK's largest independent processor and distributor of bright steel bars, on the acquisition of the equity held by Endless LLP - a UK mid-market private equity house - bringing the company back into full private ownership.

Headquartered in Willenhall, West Midlands, Acenta Steel achieved turnover of £82 million in 2012 across its six UK sites, where it employs 343 people. It has performed exceptionally well in testing market conditions over the past two years and achieved significant sales growth and paid down debt.

Advised by Adrian Cutler in the corporate and commercial team at DWF in Birmingham, CEO Tarlok Singh and CFO Colin Mills led the transaction.

Adrian commented: "The transaction, and return to private ownership, will allow the management team at Acenta Steel full control over the direction of the Group and complete flexibility to determine and achieve strategic growth plans. We are delighted to have been able to assist Tarlok and Colin in the latest phase of the group's strategic direction, having advised management on the original acquisition in 2011."

Tarlok Singh, CEO of Acenta Steel, said: "This move is of great importance to our company and has truly put its future in our hands. DWF has been hugely supportive throughout the last couple of years and more recently in the negotiation process. The team offered us best practice advice to ensure the deal was delivered on time and with minimum business disruption."

The DWF team was led by Adrian Cutler, and comprised banking and finance partner, Ian Ilersic, corporate lawyers, Mark Canning, and director, Emma Ray.

Management was advised by DWF and Gambit Corporate Finance, while Endless was advised by Eversheds. Funding for the transaction was provided by GE Commercial Finance with legal support from Squires Sanders.

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