Zach Francis has joined YFM Equity Partners, which is headquartered in Leeds, as investment associate.
He coms to YFM, which has offices in Leeds, London, Birmingham, Manchester and Reading, from Red Lion Group, a collection of boutique pubs and coaching inns, where he spent the last year working in the corporate development team. Before that he spent ten years with wealth and accountancy services firm Smith & Williamson.
The appointment follows YFM’s continued expansion which has seen its recent investment in funding the primary buyout of SOS Leak Detection, a Bedfordshire-headquartered provider of non-destructive escape of water detection and remedial services working primarily with the insurance sector. It has also made a multi-million pound follow on investment in Bournemouth-based film and TV visual effects company Outpost VFX, as well as the successful realisation of YFM’s investment in rubber-to-metal bonded components and rail suspension systems, Ferrabyrne Holdings, based in Littlehampton.
Jamie Roberts, partner and head of new investments in the South for YFM, said: “We were impressed not only by Zach’s solid grounding in lead advisory and sell-side roles where he supported SMEs, but also by his valuable operational experience working ‘in-house’ within a growing hospitality business. We also really liked Zach’s approach and felt he would be a great fit for the team.
“As YFM continues to expand, its important that we bring onboard people with different skills and backgrounds to add strength in depth to the investment team.”
Zach said: “Joining YFM is a great opportunity to broaden my experience in the investment space as the firm is uniquely positioned to support UK businesses in their next phase of growth through a combination of growth equity and management buy-out funding. I’m looking forward to being part of the YFM growth story and also to work within such a reputable and friendly team.”
