Buy-out keeps transportation firm moving

May 28 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

LAW firm Dickinson Dees has played a crucial role in securing the successful future of Lincolnshire-based CSE International, specialist safety and quality control consultants to the transportation industry.

The York office of the Newcastle-based firm along with Yorkshire accountants Garbutt & Elliott advised on an MBO which has kept ownership of CSE within the company.

Over its 24-year history CSE has built a reputation for its specialist knowledge of systems assurance, safety and quality management contributing to major airport, air traffic control and railway projects around the world.

Projects such as the development of the Mass Transit Railways of Hong Kong and Singapore, airports including Chek Lap Kok in Hong Kong, Incheon International Airport in South Korea and London Heathrow and the Channel Tunnel have all benefited from CSE’s expertise.

Alan McCartney, the managing director who led the MBO, said: “With an excellent management team and some of the best specialists in our field, CSE will continue our work in ensuring the integrity of the systems and software that are vital to our clients’ operations, safety and security wherever they are in the world.”

Alastair Scott-Somers of Dickinson Dees said: “We advised the CSE International management team in achieving their goal of acquiring the company they had been running for the last two years, allowing them to take control and put their stamp on CSE International’s future.

“Dickinson Dees advised on both the acquisition and investment aspects of the transaction, working closely with the management team and Garbutt & Elliott. The commitment and enthusiasm of the management team, Russell Turner of Garbutt & Elliott and the Dickinson Dees team made the deal a pleasure to work on and a delight to deliver.”