Darke & Taylor

FRP are pleased to have supported an Oxfordshire electrical and mechanical engineering firm on its transition to an employee ownership model.

Based in Long Hanborough, Darke & Taylor designs, installs and maintains a variety of building services including electrical, mechanical and energy solutions. For over 65 years it has worked in the built environment across London and the South East helping main contractors and project managers to construct and refurbish, and the landlords, owners and tenants to manage and maintain their buildings, which include high quality residential, commercial offices, educational establishments and science and technology labs.

The business has now established a new Employee Ownership Trust to hold the shares on behalf of its employees, marking the start of its transition to a 100% employee-owned model. This move has been taken to secure the long-term independence of the business and preserve its values by putting its people at the heart of its future growth plans.

The FRP Corporate Finance team was appointed by Darke & Taylor to manage this transaction. They provided initial strategic, financial and tax advice, enabling the business to ascertain whether or not employee ownership was the right ‘fit’ for the business. Once a decision was made to proceed, they provided independent share valuation services, financial modelling, and further tax advice to ensure a smooth transition for the business to its new ownership model.