Metro Bank support Hepworth Clay acquisition

01 July, 2025

Hepworth Clay are the UK’s sole manufacturers of vitrified clay pipes and associated fittings used in drainage systems, using clay from their own quarries

Comprehensive £20 million asset-based lending package supports acquisition by 4D Capital Partners

METRO Bank have completed a £19.725 million, comprehensive asset-based lending deal with Hepworth Clay and their new owners 4D Capital Partners LLP. The package includes invoice finance, stock finance and a plant and machinery term loan, alongside ongoing working capital facilities.

Hepworth Clay are the UK’s sole manufacturer of vitrified clay pipes and associated fittings used in drainage systems. The company also manufactures terracotta products for construction, including flue and chimney systems. The business operates in the Midlands, sourcing material from its own quarries.

Alan Austin, head of asset based lending at Metro Bank said: ‘We are delighted to provide this bespoke asset-based lending package to Hepworth Clay, and their new owners 4D Capital Partners. We worked closely with all parties to enable this transaction and our ongoing support will see this essential manufacturing business continue to support its local Midlands economy. I look forward to working with Hepworth Clay on future financing opportunities as they continue to scale and grow.’

Alex Silk, founder of 4D Capital Partners, commented: ‘We are delighted to be partnering with Metro Bank, who have provided a significant funding package that will help us to turbocharge the growth of Hepworth. From the outset, Metro Bank understood the business and were very commercial in their approach to the transaction.’

Scott Peters, managing director of corporate finance at Quantuma, who advised 4D Capital Partners on the acquisition, said: ‘Hepworth is an important Midlands asset and it’s very rewarding to bring it back into the local ownership of 4D Capital. The Metro Bank team were excellent and put in place a very flexible structure for a complex deal. It’s great to see innovative funders coming into the market and making a difference. The complexity of this was a great demonstration of Quantuma’s capabilities to advise in this space.’