Napier Turbochargers
Country: United Kingdom
Region: East Midlands
Investors: Primary
When Primary bought Napier Turbochargers in 2008, it was a non-core business of Siemens making large industrial turbochargers for gas and diesel engines used in ships and power generation. Under Primary’s guidance, Napier underwent an 18-month transition from a company highly dependent on Siemens’ infrastructure to a robust, stand-alone business.
By focusing on innovation and securing new and profitable sources of business, Primary took a company division and turned it into a strategic partner to the largest global engine manufacturers. Primary sold Napier in January 2013 to New York-listed rail technology group Wabtec Corporation, earning 5.5 times its investment.
Andy Thacker
CEO - Napier Turbochargers
We enjoyed a productive and robust relationship with Primary during their ownership of the business. They were supportive of the management team’s strategic objectives, offered constructive advice and, where required, ensured the business plan was stretched but achievable.
2x
increase in R&D spend
25%
increase in revenues
What did the business need?
Investment in new equipment
Assistance to build a stand-alone business
New product development programme
How did private equity backing create lasting value?
Built the infrastructure required for Napier to flourish as a stand-alone business
Put in place new management team drawn from Siemens and Primary networks
Invested significantly to re-establish Napier’s 200-year-old brand
Provided capital for state-of-the-art machinery to drive improvements in efficiency and productivity
Introduced after-market service centres around the worldto strengthen global coverage of the business
Doubled R&D spend to develop new products with greater energy efficiency and reduced emissions
Brought in new marketing to increase after-market sales
What outcomes did private equity investment achieve?
Increased profitability from 13% to 32% of sales through operational and productivity improvements
Established Napier as a technology leader as a result of increased R&D spend
Expanded customer base to include global engine manufacturers
Increased revenues from €24m in 2009 to €30.6m in 2012
Investors
