‘Boutique’ Jersey PE firm aims to acquire more businesses

Wednesday 27 July 2022

Rialto says it has raised "significant" investment for further acquisitions as part of a plan to create a high-income Jersey investment platform for local people from local businesses.

The company, which was founded in 2020 by Luke Smith and Oliver Mourant, aims to be a ‘boutique’ private equity firm.

It's focused on acquiring successful local businesses which may be too big to sell to management teams and too small for institutional investors.

Rialto has already acquired Maillard & Co (formerly Buckley & Company, Voisin Hunter, Maillards Estates and MDW Building Surveyors), and says the latest investment should help it acquire other companies that harmonise.

Carey Olsen was lead counsel on the fundraising, led by partner James Willmott, assisted by associates Steven Khan and Ameer Jassat.

Carey Olsen's James Willmott added: "It was a pleasure to assist Rialto on this exciting fundraising, which will help the firm achieve its objectives within Jersey's thriving business community."