Being prepared for sale adds real value

Crime and Fire Defence Systems Limited has over 25 years of experience as a trusted turnkey security solutions provider. Based in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, the company specialises in national and international projects within Critical National Infrastructure and the high-security industry. Their expertise includes access control, complex perimeter intrusion detection, and advanced thermal, infra-red and visual surveillance solutions.

Chris Langrick and the team at Navig8 helped us enormously prepare ourselves for the sale of the business. Navig8 gave practical help to our accounts department and were always available either on the phone or for meetings. Chris frequently engaged with KPMG as well as Squire Patton Boggs and really understood our business, which helped the deal go smoothly and quickly.

PreviousNext

Requirements

The shareholders of CFDS were considering their options and looking for support through a potential transaction. Whilst the management team were highly capable and experienced within their business, they had not previously been through a sales process.

They needed help to ensure financial information was presented in the right way, that forecasts were robust and flexible, and that due diligence requirements could be met with confidence. Accurate reporting, a clear databook, and guidance through the deal process were essential.

What we did

We worked alongside the FD and shareholders to get CFDS ready for sale and to support them through the transaction:

  • Presented historical results in a format suitable for due diligence, including monthly P&L, balance sheet, cash flow and working capital.
  • Built a detailed three-year financial forecast, allowing sensitivities to be run easily. All information was consolidated into a single databook for use throughout the process.
  • Provided regular trading updates and model amendments as the deal progressed.
  • Gave ongoing support to shareholders, responding to ad hoc queries.
  • Reviewed key elements of the share purchase agreement, highlighting potential risks and assisting with drafting the accounting policies.

Results

In September 2025, Journeo Plc, a listed provider of information and technology services for public transport, acquired CFDS in a multimillion-pound deal.

The acquisition, approved under the National Security and Investment Act, strengthened Journeo’s reach into critical “cost of failure” services across public transport and vital infrastructure including railway stations, airports and nuclear power facilities.

This transaction highlighted the strength of the infrastructure services M&A market and represented an exciting new chapter for CFDS. Navig8 Advisory were proud to work alongside KPMG and Squire Patton Boggs in supporting the shareholders through to a successful completion.

Services Provided

  • FINANCIAL MODELLING

    Set-up and monitoring financial performance across the business and setting up detailed forecasting projections and costings for growth.

  • BUSINESS PRESENTATION

    Assisted the business with presenting their results under IFRS as opposed to UK GAAP as previously reported

Benefits

Peace of mind

Our understanding of the sales process allowed any potential issues to be discovered and resolved prior to the sale / due diligence process.

Improved chance of successful sale

Through easy to access and transparent financial data.

Maximised business value

Maximised business value through presenting the data appropriately and in the best light.

Fast and efficient process

By getting all the ducks in a row beforehand.

Increased business insight

By getting to know the detail of the financials.

Planned and costed growth

Allowed for a real understanding of capital and cashflow needs.

Tangible BenefIT