mynth
11/2017100%

Fishers acquired by K-Bro Linen

UNITED KINGDOM Facility Management / Maintenance / Industrial Cleaning EV £20–50M

Context

K-Bro Linen Inc. has definitively agreed to acquire one hundred percent of the share capital of Fishers Topco Ltd., a transaction that establishes the inaugural international footprint for the acquirer outside of Canada. Structured on a cash-free, debt-free basis, the deal involves a base purchase consideration with an additional earn-out mechanism tied to incremental operational performance, entirely funded via an expanded senior secured revolving credit facility. This strategic acquisition represents a pivotal platform investment, providing immediate critical mass within the highly fragmented and mature United Kingdom linen hospitality market. The strategic rationale is highly compelling, driven by geographical expansion and the acquisition of an iconic, century-old brand with a dominant regional market position. By integrating this robust operational infrastructure and entrenched customer relationships, the acquirer aims to leverage this beachhead to execute further sector consolidation across the territory. Post-transaction, the strategy entails implementing cross-border operational efficiencies and sharing best practices, particularly leveraging the experienced local management team to capitalize on substantial organic growth opportunities.

Fishers, which reported an EBITDA margin of [members only] in 2017, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 5x–12x, to compare with the average currently observed in the Business Services sector (11.5x in 2026).

-> Deep-dive in Business Services market trends

Target

Fishers is a premier commercial laundry and linen processing provider based in the United Kingdom, specifically dominating the Scottish and North East England markets. As an undisputed market leader in its regional footprint, the company processes over 2 million items weekly, delivering comprehensive linen rental, workwear hire, and cleanroom garment services. Its client base is deeply entrenched, characterized by historical retention rates of approximately ninety percent, and encompasses major hotel chains, prestigious hospitality venues, as well as critical healthcare, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical facilities. Operating through seven strategically located sites, Fishers boasts a robust infrastructure that ensures coast-to-coast coverage and unparalleled service reliability. The company operates a highly resilient economic model underpinned by consistent revenue generation and a strong cash flow profile, requiring modest capital expenditures while driving stable margins.

Ent. Value

£20–50M

Equity Value

[members only]

Multiples

EV / Revenue

1x–3x

EV / EBITDA

5x–12x

EV / EBIT

[members only]

Historical Financials (GBP)

Year
Rev
EBITDA
EBIT
2017
£25–50M
£5–25M
[members only]
2016
£25–50M
£5–25M
[members only]

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REFERENCES

Valuation range: EV £20–50M

Revenue range: £25–50M

EBITDA range: £5–25M

EV/Revenue range: 1x - 3x

EV/EBITDA range: 5x - 12x

Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of Fishers by K-Bro Linen are reserved for mynth community members. Register for free to unlock full data.

Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.

Press release: view release

Acquirer: k-bro linen

FAQ

What transaction does this page cover?

This page covers K-Bro Linen’s acquisition of 100% of Fishers, a British company specialised in Maintenance, in 2017.

How was the acquisition of Fishers by K-Bro Linen valued, and what multiples were paid?

mynth displays the transaction’s enterprise value within the £20–50M band, its EV/EBITDA multiple within the 5x - 12x range, and its EV/revenue multiple within the 1x - 3x range. Exact figures are available to members.

What were Fishers’s revenue and EBITDA at the time of the deal?

At the time of the transaction, Fishers generated annual revenue estimated in the £25–50M range and EBITDA in the £5–25M bracket (FY 2017). Detailed financial figures are available to members.

How does the valuation of Fishers compare to benchmarks in the Business Services sector?

With an estimated valuation multiple in the range of 5x - 12x in 2017, the transaction reflects historical valuation standards. By way of comparison, in 2026 companies in the Business Services sector are valued at a multiple of 11.5x EBITDA.

What sources support the information on this transaction?

The details of this transaction are sourced directly from the official corporate announcement published on the parties’ institutional website, ensuring primary-source verification of the closing and perimeter.

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