CVC Enters Ridge Capital and Replaces Horizon Capital
Private assets manager CVC has taken a stake in Ridge, a British consulting firm specializing in the built environment. The transaction results in the exit of Horizon Capital, which has been a shareholder since April 2023, while Ridge's partners remain significant shareholders.
CVC Succeeds Horizon Capital in Ridge's Shareholder Round
CVC announced on September 17, 2026, that it has secured an investment in Ridge, a British multidisciplinary consulting firm specializing in the built environment. The transaction aims to support the company's continued growth.
CVC is acquiring its stake from Horizon Capital, which has been Ridge's partner since April 2023. The Equity Partners remain significant shareholders of the company.
Founded in 1946 and based in Oxford, Ridge supports its clients throughout the entire project lifecycle, from planning and consulting to design and engineering, through to program and project management. Its interdisciplinary teams operate across all built environment sectors.
The company's model is based on an organization led by its partners, a point that the transaction with CVC intends to preserve. The partnership should enable Ridge to continue investing in its offerings and workforce, as well as in its capacity to handle larger and more complex assignments.
Revenue Growth of 23% Annually Since 2022
Since 2022, Ridge has grown its revenue at an average annual growth rate of approximately 23% and more than doubled its workforce, increasing from approximately 800 to approximately 1,650 employees across 16 offices in the United Kingdom. Growth has been predominantly organic.
The development has been supported by long-term client relationships, with approximately 88% of revenue coming from recurring assignments. The recruitment of senior executives has opened new services and sectors, notably defense and security, sciences, health, education, and infrastructure.
Selective acquisitions have complemented this momentum, adding specialized expertise, from data centers to motorsport circuits, and extending Ridge's presence in Wales and the Southwest of England.
The partnership with CVC should support the continuation of organic growth as well as strategic external growth operations.
Landmark Projects in the United Kingdom and Internationally
Ridge has participated in several landmark projects, including iconic buildings in Manchester, international motorsport sites, the Northern Line extension, and energy efficiency work for Marks & Spencer.
Adrian O'Hickey, Senior Partner at Ridge, indicated that this milestone should give the company the scale and capabilities necessary to continue its growth according to its current model.
Dominic Murphy, Managing Partner at CVC, highlighted a differentiated firm based on a multidisciplinary offering and regional presence. Luke Kingston, Managing Partner at Horizon Capital, recalled three years of collaboration with Ridge's partners.
