MML partners with leading modular water technology provider, RSE

August, 2023

MML partners with leading modular water technology provider, RSE

RSE is the UK's leading technology provider to the water industry. It specialises in the design, manufacture and maintenance of water treatment plants and its innovative modular building methodology is transforming the industry, driving better quality water for consumers alongside better environmental outcomes. We are excited to partner with Envoy Capital (“Envoy”), Iain MacGregor and RSE’s founder Allan Dallas to help continue their impressive growth journey.

RSE was founded as a family business in 1982 by Allan Dallas. In 2019 Envoy and management led a buyout of RSE from Global Energy Group, with an ambition to develop and prove new ways to build water treatment assets for the UK market. Since then, through a combination of organic and acquisitive growth, revenues have grown from £60m to over £200m and RSE now employs over 1,500 staff across the UK.

With MML’s investment and under the continued leadership of Iain MacGregor and Allan Dallas, RSE is well positioned to continue to drive transformational change across the water industry.

Amar Shanghavi, Investment Director at MML, commented:

“We have built a strong relationship with Iain, Allan and the team over two years, which has demonstrated our strong alignment on strategy and values, particularly on building sustainable businesses. The water sector is experiencing significant change and RSE is well positioned to help the industry innovate to deliver better quality water for consumers and the environment. This is an incredible team and we are fortunate to be partnering with them at this stage of their journey.”

Iain MacGregor, CEO of Envoy and RSE, added:

“The investment by MML marks a key milestone in the RSE growth story, providing new access to capital and confidence to pursue our ambitious plans. Envoy and management will continue to be majority shareholders in RSE, backed now by a private equity firm with international experience and reach. Our decision to partner with MML was founded on shared values and a goal to change the way water companies and industrial water users enhance their treatment processes.”

Our investment in RSE is a further demonstration of MML’s belief in the importance of enabling the more efficient use of assets, reducing waste and supporting responsible growth. This is MML’s third investment in the last year based on this thesis and supporting the circular and modular economy, following recent investments in GPS and Premier Modular. You can read more about MML’s commitment to being a responsible investor here.

The MML deal team comprised Richard Mayers, Amar Shanghavi, Christian Brown and James Church.

MML was advised by DC Advisory (Gary Hancock, Chris Gornall, Teddy Wadsworth, Aiman Daud), Pinsent Masons (Edward Stead, Peter Morley, Ben Elliott, Jade Coombs-Goodfellow, Vanessa Heap, Kirstyn Gleeson), Teneo (Nick Daley), FRP Advisory (Richard Goodall), Eight Advisory (Caley Mogg), Sustainable Advantage (Sharon Dekker), Howden (Hugh Willis), Equator (Chris Gauld) and Confidas People (Bruce Douglas).

RSE was advised by Envoy Group (Andrew Matheson), Stronachs (Neil Forbes, James Muir) and Brodies (Neal Richardson, Nicola Watson).

The transaction was supported by HSBC.