NULL
News

A team of local advisors from Price Bailey, Leathes Prior and HSBC has worked together to help bring about a successful management buy-out (MBO) at leading signs and graphics franchise Signs Express, headquartered in Norwich.

Signs Express was established in the in 1989 and is now the UK and Ireland's largest sign franchise, with 70 franchises across the country. The company was founded by David Corbett and Frank Eliel with the specific aim of offering a professional one-stop-shop for business signs and graphics. Following a successful 3 year pilot from their custom sign production centre in Norwich, the company began franchising in 1992 and now has a large support team in the city offering advice and guidance to the nationwide network of franchisees. Craig Brown, managing director, joined the company at its inception, and, along with operations director Peter Sayles and sales director Tony Marsh, was already a shareholder following a 2007 partial MBO. Following the conclusion of the full MBO, Jonathan Bean has been announced as a fourth equity shareholder, joining the management team and being promoted to finance director. The deal sees the buy-back of the remaining shares from founding shareholders David Corbett and Frank Eliel. Craig Brown at Signs Express said: 'Throughout the years I have seen the company grow and prosper to become the UK's largest sign franchise and it's a great pleasure to be reaching the next phase of our company's development. David and Frank have left us with a fantastic legacy and one which myself, Peter, Tony and now Jonathan are relishing the opportunity to build on in the coming years.' Summarising their hopes for the future, David Corbett and Frank Eliel said: 'We are delighted to pass the baton on to our well balanced and experienced team. They have the knowledge and skills needed to progress what we started, and most importantly will maintain the ethos of what we built. With a large 'family' of franchisees across the UK and Ireland it is fundamentally important that they feel confident that the business will continue to be developed with ethical franchising at its core.' Stephen Reed, corporate finance director at Price Bailey advised on the deal which was funded by HSBC. Paul Warman at Leathes Prior acted as legal advisor to the company and Rob Colman of Howes Percival advised the vendors. Commenting on the deal, Stephen said 'We are delighted to have been able to assist with all aspects of this transaction. It is very satisfying to be able to help clients undertake deals of this type, particularly long-established local businesses with national representation, as the business changes ownership from one generation to the next'. Signs Express has a staff of 20 at the Norwich headquarters and a group turnover in excess of £20m. The company is a full member of of the British Franchise Association and British Signs & Graphics Association. With a focus on leadership, training and business development, 40% of the Signs Express group have been trading for over 10 years.

More like this

What our customers say

I just want to say thank you to yourself and the team, the rebrand to Atherton flooring has been great and I'm receiving lots of positive f...
Ashley Atherton - Atherton Flooring
Signs Express
I would like to truly thank you for all your kindness and help. Your team did a fantastic job for our shop, which we are all grateful for a...
Eve Cox - Tailorations
Signs Express
Rated 5 stars out of 5
First class service from Signs Express Wearside. From Design to Installation these guys understand our high quality expectations and are a...
Fairgrieve Compression
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
Many thanks to Signs Express (Exeter) for our new sign, they gave very helpful advice and the installation was quick and efficient. 
J Parsons - Kadampa Meditation Centre
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
Incredible from start to finish & super professional. Would highly recommend! 
Will Keogh - Orega
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
Incredible from start to finish & super professional. Would highly recommend! 
Will Keogh - Orega
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
Great customer service, quality product. The fitter was very professional. 
Chinedu Nnaemeka
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
I needed sign writing on my new van. I contacted Signs express and they talked me through a few different price options and discussed my re...
Alex Smith
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
Great quality of work, quick responses to a quote request and very friendly staff who go out of their way to help. Really pleased with the...
Adrian Froggatt
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
Excellent Service from Signs Express Leeds! All that you would want in a supplier, professional, great job and quick turnaround! Thank you!  
Julia Jagger
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
Rick and the team were excellent, comms were quick, price was reasonable, the guys doing the fitting were great and most importantly the si...
David Taylor
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
Fantastic service and speedy turnaround. Really impressed with the communication, Rick was great at getting our signage sorted in time for...
The Hot Yoga Chapel
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
Love my new signs! They look classy, elegant and fit my brand perfectly! The product and quality of the workmanship is fantastic too! Fault...
Claire Wood
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
Great service, my second time using these guys and will continue to use them in the future. The artwork/mock up process is seamless and the...
Lumiere Photographic
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
Everyone on the Team were so helpful, we had an external sign that as 6m long, and internal signage fitted. The service went above and beyo...
Candida Edwards
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
Absolutely brilliant service from start to finish! Query was answered quickly with amazing attention to detail and all options explained. I...
Sara Cowie
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
Hi, Fountain. We must have done something right to get such a good rating from you. We really appreciate you taking the time!  
Fountain Admin
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
In January 2023 we made an initial order of some aluminium signage to be displayed in our elevators and communal stair landings. Since this...
Peter Niven
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
Excellent service from beginning to end. Great work on the sign too. Thank you 
Steve Austin
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
Fantastic service from Signs Express - always super communicative, accommodating and do a great job with our signs. Would highly recommend! 
Lisa Credland
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
Good communication, always happy to answer any questions I have and great end product 
CarrManorOnline
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
Great service, helped with designs, even gave full tour of printing facilities. Then got everything printed very quickly for us. Great ser...
Nathan Walsh
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
Signs Express are fast, efficient and super friendly. They get all work done as quickly as possible and it always looks great. Will definit...
Clare Delaney
Google
Rated 5 stars out of 5
Super happy with the service I’ve received for some promotional items I’ve had printed. Great communication and super speedy service! So go...
Sophie
Google