A Travers Smith team led by private equity partner Helen Croke, advised VPS on their acquisition of Camwatch, a specialist security provider and a pioneer in CCTV monitoring.

Camwatch has over 10 years’ experience in developing security products including an innovative CCTV solution that supports the security of construction and remote sites. In addition, Camwatch’s ATM locking bar is currently deployed in over 4,000 cash machines in the UK for a range of blue chip customers.

VPS is a leading European vacant property specialist providing a full-suite of specialist solutions. It secures more than 50,000 properties and employs over 900 staff in over 50 locations across the UK, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain.

VPS was acquired by the European private equity firm (and Travers Smith client) PAI Partners in July 2014. The acquisition by PAI, on which Travers Smith advised PAI, marked a new phase in VPS’s development and continued expansion. VPS’s acquisition of Camwatch showcases PAI’s established track record of successfully expanding pan-European companies in the business services sector.

The Travers Smith team was led by private equity partner Helen Croke, who was supported by private equity associates David Wall and Aman Dillon.  Tax advice was provided by tax partner Kathleen Russ and tax associate Richard Wild.  The shareholders of Camwatch were advised by Paul Feenan of Geldards LLP.