Growth investor Synova has made an investment into Orbis Protect Ltd. Orbis is a provider of security services to the UK vacant property sector. Synova is backing CEO Ben Howard and as part of the transaction, incumbent investor NorthEdge will remain a significant minority shareholder in the new group.

Howard said, “We’re looking forward to the next step on our growth journey with Synova and NorthEdge. Their support provides us with a fantastic opportunity to invest more into new technology, products and services, building on the great progress we have made in the last three years and allowing us to continue providing the best experiences for our customers and colleagues.”

Alex Bowden, partner at Synova, commented, “We are delighted to be partnering with the team at Orbis as well as NorthEdge. The business has an enviable position in the UK market place, delivering exceptional quality and service delivery to its client base. We look forward to supporting Ben and the wider management team with the continued investment in People, Technology and delivery of an ambitious M&A strategy.”

Additionally, Ardian, a private investment house, has arranged a unitranche debt facility to support Synova’s investment.

Stuart Hawkins, managing director at Ardian, said, “We are very pleased to be backing Synova, Northedge and Management in leading Orbis through its next phase of growth. Orbis has already established itself as a leading player in the UK market for vacant property services which it is well placed to consolidate; we look forward to supporting the business through this journey.”