• Swindon & Wiltshire M&A, deals
• Monday March 24 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Swindon firms represent Rocket Graphics in US takeover

Two Swindon firms have represented Watford-based commercial printer Rocket Graphics to international graphics and custom installations producer Moss.

Founded by Tim Porter 25 years ago, Rocket Graphics has developed an innovative and eco-conscious approach to creating large-format printing.

International branding and signage experts Moss recognised the potential of the strategic acquisition of Rocket in order to meet their goal of expanding further in the UK, having initially expanded into the country in 2023 with the acquisition of Macro Art, a high-end graphics provider.

Corporate finance specialists Watersheds led the acquisition on behalf of Rocket, providing them with specialist advice and expertise gained from a successful track record of international mergers and acquisitions.

Legal advice was provided by RWK Goodman.

William Senior, partner at Watersheds, said: “Deals that span the continents can be notoriously complicated due to differing legal systems. However, our experience bringing international sales to a close allowed us to guide them in what would be needed in this instance, in addition to the added nuances placed by dealing with an overseas private equity firm.

“Rocket’s financial leadership was already strong and the team had experience of mergers and acquisitions.

“However, due to the complexity of this international deal, they rightly chose to bring in Watersheds to provide specialist guidance. We were also able to recommend and bring in trusted advisory partners with the right experience from the US and UK in order to successfully close the deal.

“It’s imperative to have robust representation when you’re buying or selling a business – and even more so when the two sides have previously worked closely together.

“Due to existing relationships between Rocket and Moss, we were able to step in and lead conversations which may have been uncomfortable for the two sides due to their history; as well as being able to push Rocket further and ‘fight their corner’ in negotiations in order to procure the best possible results.”

Tim Porter, group account director for Rocket, added: “The advice and guidance we received from William and the team at Watersheds was invaluable and enabled us to complete the deal successfully.

“Having expert professional support made sure that the final outcome was the best possible result for both parties – for now and for future considerations.”

The buyer was backed by American private equity firm EagleTree.

Pictured: Iain Butler of RWK Goodman, Tim Porter of Rocket Graphics, William Senior of Watersheds