Date posted: 20th Aug 2025
Clive Owen LLP is delighted to have supported the successful sale of a leading laser cutting, press braking and fabrication company, in a transaction that will further strengthen a growing North East-based engineering group.
Q-Laser Ltd has been successfully acquired by County Durham-headquartered SST Group, which is owned and led by the directors of Dyer, as it continues to grow and diversify its existing portfolio of high-quality engineering and manufacturing firms.
SST Group comprises like-minded engineering companies, which each operate independently, but with shared support and alignment.
Established in 2012, Q-Laser Ltd serves multiple sectors, ranging from automotive and marine to architecture and medical, from across its three sites in Washington, Hebburn and Middlesbrough.
Clive Owen LLP was engaged by Colin Hewitt, Managing Director of Q-Laser Ltd, to oversee his succession plan for the business, involving sourcing the buyer and leading the sale through to successful completion. Under terms of the acquisition, all Q-Laser Ltd staff will be retained, and Colin will continue in his role, ensuring a smooth transition.
Michael Cantwell, Corporate Finance Partner at Clive Owen LLP, who has enjoyed a longstanding professional relationship with Colin spanning 15 years, provided lead advisory services to Q-Laser Ltd, preparing the company for sale, successfully negotiating the terms and conducting the due diligence.
Maven Capital Partners, a longstanding investor in SST Group, delivered the necessary private equity funding to facilitate the deal. Mark Adams, Partner at Hay & Kilner, supported the transaction with the legalities of the deal on behalf of Q-Laser Ltd, with Charlie Fielding, Corporate Partner at Square One Law, acting for SST Group.
Colin Hewitt said: “I have known Michael for many years, and after initial discussions last year regarding my plans for the future of the business, I am delighted to have achieved this important milestone that marks an exciting new chapter for Q-Laser Ltd. The entire process has been handled with the utmost care and professionalism, and I have been consistently impressed with the sound advice and support received throughout.
“Leading Q-Laser Ltd. has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my professional life. I am incredibly proud of what our team has achieved, from the projects we’ve delivered to the strong relationships we’ve built with our customers and partners. None of it would have been possible without the dedication and passion of the entire Q-Laser team, and the trust our customers have placed in us over the past 13 years as an individual company.”
Colin added: “As we join the SST Group family, I feel a deep sense of excitement for what lies ahead. SST shares our commitment to excellence, innovation and customer care. I’m confident this next chapter will unlock even greater opportunities not only for our technology and products, but also for our people.”
Michael Cantwell said: “This was an exciting deal to be a part of, especially given my longstanding working relationship with Colin. I am delighted to have helped support and facilitate his succession plans, alongside the collaborative expertise and efforts of all professionals involved in this successful, strategic acquisition.
“This transaction presents significant operational synergies that will undoubtedly support the continued development of SST Group, following the addition of Q-Laser, a successful North East business.”
