Architectural Panel Solutions

The Business

APS is a manufacturer, fabricator and distributor of panel and framing products for commercial, residential and industrial buildings in the UK, continental Europe and the USA. APS sells a number of well-established, own brands including a unique composite stone panel product and two panel framing systems, whilst also distributing a range of third-party panels.

The Deal

APS was previously a division of a UK building products group. Chiltern backed the incumbent management team, led by Pete Brough (Head of UK & Europe), to deliver the growth plan. As part of the transaction, Chiltern invested additional capital to support planned development capex and working capital

The Plan

Following several years as a non-core asset of a larger group with other strategic priorities and limited senior management focus, APS now has an opportunity to grow quickly in a large international market experiencing long-term structural growth, driven by targeted investment, product development, more aggressive sales efforts, and strengthened and focused management.

The Team

Michael Coupland

Portfolio Director

Calum McDonald

Investment Associate

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Michael Coupland

Mike is focussed on supporting management teams deliver their ambitions for growth and brings a wealth of portfolio experience. He serves directly on the board of several of investee companies.

Formerly Mike worked as an Investment Director concentrating on lower-mid market investing. He has a range of sector experience but has spent most of his time working with B2B industrial, manufacturing and distribution businesses. Mike qualified as a Chartered Accountant at KPMG where he worked in Corporate Finance and Tax.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys cooking and playing golf when he isn’t busy looking after his young family.

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Calum McDonald

Calum focuses on new investments, primarily in the Industrials and Technology sectors, as well as supporting a number of our portfolio companies with M&A, value creation and refinancings.

Calum was previously a Manager at Grant Thornton in the Corporate Finance team, focusing on lower mid-market deals across several sectors, including technology, business services and industrials.

Calum qualified as a Chartered Accountant within Grant Thornton’s Corporate Finance practice.

Away from the office, Calum enjoys hacking his way around a local golf course. He is also an avid snowboarder, squash player and amateur marathon runner.