"We are delighted the float has gone so well and we have achieved our funding requirements, giving us the financial platform to fund our aggressive growth and development objectives.

The help from YFM Group in initially backing our MBO was invaluable in helping us get to where we are today."

John Haywood, MD of Pressure Technologies

"This is an exciting time for the Company and we have ambitious growth and development plans.

The backing from the YFM Group though Chandos and the BSC VCT have been instrumental in helping us achieve our objectives."

John Curwen, Managing Director Harvey Jones

"The funding from the YFM Group has come at an exciting time for the company.

This investment enables us to aggressively promote Mirimon to the global market and to make further enhancements to the product.

The advice we received from ICON Corporate Finance was invaluable in identifying YFM Group as the right investment partner for Mirifice."

Paul Tinkler, Chief Executive of Mirifice

"This is a very exciting development for Harris Hill. It is a very strong business and brand and is well placed to deliver the ambitious growth and development plans we have.

YFM Group have been supportive and straightforward throughout the buyin process and are an ideal partner for us as we look to grow."

Aled Morris, CEO of Harris Hill

"The YFM Private Equity investment team were partners throughout the process,

giving financial and expert support to achieve our goals, allowing us to expand and strengthen the business to the stage we have reached today."

Dr Shah, Executive Chairman IPCC

YFM Group has been acquired by GLE Group

YFM Group has been acquired by GLE Group, a leading economic development company delivering investment, products and services to promote small business growth.

YFM will become an arm of GLE with a common business model of providing investment to UK small and growing businesses.

YFM's Head Office in Leeds will remain the focus of the YFM activities and there are plans to continue to operate under the YFM brand. The combined businesses will now employ over 320 highly qualified staff in the UK and on the Continent, and take funds under management to £335 million.

“The union with GLE will enable the continued activity of both investment arms, YFM Venture Finance and YFM Private Equity, in addressing the perceived gap in the market for risk capital.” said Peter Garnham, Managing Director of YFM Venture Finance.

GLE currently operates a range of businesses, including property investment and development, business finance, business development and an economic development consultancy. Each business is run commercially and some areas also have some social objectives too.

YFM Business Development, which manages the Manufacturing Advisory Service in the Yorkshire & Humber region, will work closely with the business development team at GLE.

“The joining of GLE and YFM will open up new opportunities for both businesses”, said Martin Large, Chief Executive, GLE. “Both companies share a similar history and a passion for innovative solutions for small businesses. The union will further build on the national presence and strong reputation of YFM. I very much look forward to a very positive future for GLE and YFM”.

“Joining forces makes logical sense for YFM employees, clients, partners and the wider business community. YFM's businesses fit very well alongside GLE's Growth Capital and Business Development activities and together both Groups will be significantly stronger.” said David Hall, Managing Director of Private Equity

About GLE Group