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Who took the plunge … and what happened to them
CompanyDateValueWhat happened next
Ward HomesJuly 2000£34³¾The Kent-based housebuilder delivered excellent results in 2001: profit rose from £7.1m to £11.8m and turnover increased 44% to £71.9m.
Curzon Holdings August 2000£973,500The parent company of Jarvis Newman went shopping – it bought maintenance firm TCL Granby, and is looking to buy a facilities manager.
DEGWJune 2001UndisclosedThe architect has added three offices to its global network; recent projects include offices for ad agency Walter Thompson.
Holloway White AllomNovember 2002£5³¾Managing director Bob Cole and his team have more autonomy now they are independent of Laing.
Banner HoldingsDecember 2002£5³¾The new firm, previously known as Henry Boot Management, plans to expand its design-and-build business, which the parent company considered too risky.
Pearce GroupDecember 2002£9.2³¾John Rackstraw, head of Pearce’s retail division, who led the buyout, succeeded Don Ross as managing director.
PropencityDecember 2002£23³¾ The former Peterhouse division, comprising regional contractors Totty, Jackson and Dean & Bowes, is aiming for a balance of property and construction turnover.
Citex Project ServicesFebruary 2003Undisclosed Citex Group’s QS arm has only just been bought out, by a team led by former boss David Bucknall, who plans to stay on as chairman for five years. It will revert to original name Bucknall Austin.