Ufenau Capital Partners Acquires CLM Fireproofing to Expand UK Platform

Ufenau Capital Partners AG, a Swiss private equity firm, has acquired CLM Fireproofing, a London-based specialist in passive fire protection. The deal, announced on April 25, 2024, represents Ufenau’s second platform investment in the UK market since establishing its local office earlier this year. Financial terms were not disclosed.

CLM Fireproofing, founded in 1989, provides design guidance, installation, and remediation solutions for passive fire protection across the UK. The company employs approximately 70 staff and deploys over 250 operatives on-site daily, serving blue-chip construction clients, architects, and public sector organizations.

Ufenau plans to leverage CLM’s established national footprint to implement a systematic Buy-&-Build strategy. This approach aims to expand CLM’s market presence, broaden its service offerings, and enter new geographic regions within the UK and potentially Europe. The strategy includes acquiring complementary fire protection businesses to increase scale and operational efficiency.

“This acquisition strengthens CLM’s position as a leading provider in the passive fire protection sector,” said a Ufenau spokesperson. “Together, we will accelerate growth by expanding services and geographic reach, while optimizing operations through best practices from our portfolio.”

The passive fire protection industry is experiencing consolidation as firms seek scale and integrated service capabilities to meet increasing regulatory and safety standards. Ufenau’s investment aligns with this trend, positioning CLM to compete more effectively against smaller regional players and capture higher-value contracts.

Operational synergies include economies of scale in procurement, streamlined administrative functions, and enhanced project management. Ufenau also aims to standardize installation and remediation processes to improve margins and project throughput.

Challenges ahead include integrating multiple acquisitions under a unified operational model, maintaining service quality during rapid expansion, and managing workforce retention amid potential labor shortages. Regulatory changes and economic fluctuations in the construction sector also pose risks.

Looking forward, Ufenau intends to support CLM’s growth through targeted acquisitions and operational improvements, reinforcing its commitment to scaling critical services in the built environment. The firm’s UK office, opened in 2024, continues to build on prior European successes in similar sectors.