We buy, build, and grow manufacturing businesses in the North West of England.
Fabricators, CNC shops, presswork specialists, powder coaters, building product manufacturers. Good businesses that have hit a ceiling — usually because the owner's thinking about retirement, there's no succession plan, or the vision is there but the bandwidth isn't.
Built a UK building products manufacturer from startup to £30m+ revenue and 170+ employees across two countries. Managed Salvagnini automation lines, led a formal M&A process with global acquirers, and personally built AI tools for quoting and QC that are used daily on factory floors.
FDE Capital was established in 2026 to do it again — buy manufacturing businesses in the North West and build them properly.
Acquire and grow manufacturing businesses in the North West. Build alongside existing teams, not instead of them.
The partner of choice for North West manufacturing owners looking for the right next chapter.
Operators, Not Observers — Built factories, not just funded them.
Everyone Wins — If the team doesn't benefit, it doesn't work.
People, Not Positions — Promote from within. No ivory towers.
Substance Over Speed — Move fast, but never at the cost of doing it right.
Precision in Everything — CNC tolerances to financial models.
Technology as a Tool — Visibility and control, not novelty.
Yes. The team is the business. We invest in them.
No. Most owners stay 12–18 months in a consultancy role. Your timeline, not ours.
Rarely. Your name carries reputation. We only rebrand if the team agrees it makes sense.
First conversation to completion: typically 3–6 months.
Completely. NDA as standard. We don't speak to staff, customers, or suppliers without your permission.
Multiple of EBITDA, adjusted for quality. Try our Value Builder to see how it works.
Business owner, adviser, or management team — if you want to talk, we're here. No pressure.