Sentio has advised on the transformative acquisition of specialist hose and valve manufacturer Hydralectric International and its European Subsidiaries.
In a transaction completed on 20th February 2025, Hydraflex Group acquired 100% of the equity from Rockpool Investments and the management team, returning Hydralectric to its roots of family ownership.
Established in 1973, Hydralectric has a rich history of manufacturing bespoke hoses and high performance valves for the water industry. Under Rockpool’s ownership Hydralectric grew substantially through both organic growth, driven by new product development, investment in manufacturing capabilities, and the deepening of relationships, and via two bolt-on acquisitions. These strategic initiatives have supported a strong and sustained period of growth for the group.
This acquisition represents an exciting new chapter for Hydraflex as they expand their manufacturing and distribution capabilities into Europe through wholly owned subsidiaries, including EKI in Slovenia, which manufactures high-performance solenoid valves, and Compralec in France, which specialises in solenoid valves, pumps, and hoses.
The transaction also cements Hydraflex’s position as the market leader in the flexible hose sector, with total group revenues growing to £25 million, EBITDA to £5 million, and total staff to 160, spread over 10 European manufacturing and distribution sites, strategically serving its customer base.
The Hydraflex Group remains highly acquisitive as it continues its buy and build journey across the plumbing, metal and industrial hoses markets.
Duncan Macbain, Hydraflex Executive Chairman said “Having been a competitor and respected the business and directors for several decades, it feels like a natural step, and it has been a great pleasure to work on the deal with the former owners and current management. Visiting the manufacturing sites has reinforced my conviction that this is a transformative deal that has a lot of synergy to strengthen the group. It has been a great pleasure to be welcomed by the staff and understand the depth of manufacturing, focus on quality and automation”
John O’Gara, Director at Sentio said “This acquisition is an important step for both companies, bringing together Hydraflex’s expertise in specialist hose solutions with Hydralectric’s industry leading water control technology. The combined reach and technical capabilities enables the Group to bring Hydraflex’s quality and service to even more customers. We have every confidence that the combined businesses will continue to thrive under their leadership”
Andrew Barlow, Partner at Sentio said: “Having first advised the Hydraflex Shareholders on the sale of Hydraquip in 2023, it’s been a real pleasure to advise Duncan and Jay once again. This acquisition marks an important step of an exciting journey, and we look forward to supporting the continued success of the enlarged business in the future”
Andrew Bristow, Executive Chairman of Hydralectric said: “Rockpool have been a supportive partner and have been a pleasure to work alongside. With Rockpool’s support we have strategically strengthened Hydralectric by significant investment to build a business with a broader product portfolio and greater technical capability. Hydraflex are the natural buyer for the business and I wish Duncan and Jay MacBain every success for the future as they build Hydraflex.”
PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS
The Sentio team, comprising John O’Gara, Andrew Barlow and Joe Holt, worked alongside the following buy-side advisors:
- Legal – Addleshaw Goddard, led by Carly Gulliver, Miriam Doukhan, Frances Scarisbrick and Bill Downer.
- Tax – Kreston Reeves, led by Andrew Griggs and Mohammed Mujtaba.
The Hydralectric sell-side team, led by Andrew Bristow (Chairman), Simon Collins (Rockpool) and Toby Hurdle (Rockpool), were supported by Corporate Lawyers Stephenson Harwood, led by Malcolm MacDougall, Lydia Zakrewski and Jessica Martin.
HYDRAFLEX ACQUISITION STRATEGY
Hydraflex has a solid and disciplined history of strategic acquisitions, with an approach rooted in a decentralised model, empowering each company to make local decisions that ensure exceptional customer retention and service delivery.
At the heart of its strategy is the retention of key personnel. These individuals are the driving force behind long-term relationships with its customers and suppliers. Their expertise and dedication are critical to maintaining Hydraflex’s entrepreneurial spirit and delivering exceptional results. This commitment is supported by the Hydraflex Group’s financial strength and the board’s cumulative experience, which ensures support for further growth and a mindset of continuous improvement for each business.
The investment strategy supports acquisitions to retain a global competitive edge where possible. If you are considering selling part or all of your own business, Hydraflex offers an appealing and straightforward approach for entrepreneurs that can unlock a successful full or partial exit.
Please contact the Sentio Partners or Duncan or Jay MacBain directly for a private, informal initial discussion.
HYDRAFLEX GROUP OF COMPANIES
The expanded group now consists of the following companies
