Braidwater Group had received investment from BGF in 2015 in the investor’s first deal in Northern Ireland.
BGF said the deal had enabled it to establish a strong foothold in the market in Northern Ireland, while also supporting Braidwater’s growth.
Since 2015, Braidwater has grown from a small construction business into one of Northern Ireland’s biggest housebuilders, with turnover growing from £4m in 2015 to £45m in 2024.
BGF has now invested over £100m in Northern Ireland businesses, making it the most active growth capital investor in the region.
Since 2015, BGF has provided two follow-on investments, enabling family-owned Braidwater to scale operations and expand.
The investment has enabled it to grow its landbank, build its management team and expand right across Northern Ireland.
Its developments now include Beech Hill on Glenshane Road in Derry and Castle Hill on the Ballygowan Road in Belfast.
In January 2019, Braidwater merged with sister company BW Homes & Construction to create Braidwater Group, entering the social and affordable housing market.
Joe McGinnis, director at Braidwater Property Developments
Joe McGinnis, CEO of Braidwater said: “We’re grateful to BGF for their support over the last decade as we scaled our operations and established the Braidwater Group.
“Their initial investment gave us the springboard to enter new markets, while follow-on funding instilled us with the confidence to go even further.
“Today, we are in a strong position with a professionalised team, a significant development pipeline, and a clear strategic vision for the next 10 years.
“Most importantly, this buyback ensures Braidwater remains a family-run enterprise for the future – something that was always important to us. BGF has been a valued and supportive partner throughout this growth journey.”
Paddy Graham, regional partner at BGF, added: “Our partnership with Braidwater has been one of the most significant for BGF in Northern Ireland. It was our first investment in the region, and it gave us a visible and successful platform from which to grow.
“The company had a quality product, a strong team, and a compelling market opportunity in 2015 – and the same is true today.
” We’re proud to have supported the business through a period of transformation and are pleased to see the family take it forward with renewed ownership and ambition.
Beech Hill on Glenshane Road in Derry, one of Braidwater Group’s investments
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“The success of this partnership has also played a pivotal role in shaping BGF’s presence in Northern Ireland. Today, we’ve invested over £100 million in Northern Ireland, and we remain deeply committed to supporting ambitious businesses across the region.”
The sale of its stake in Braidwater marks BGF’s third successful exit in Northern Ireland, following deals with waste management company Riverridge and specialist kitchen manufacturers Uform.