At National Drones, we would like to thank all of our loyal partners and clients for their support in 2017. It has been an extremely busy, and hugely successful year for our young company, and with that, what better time than now to inform you of some exciting announcements for 2018!
Recently, one of the original founders of National Drones, Kevin Scrimshaw, sold his share in the National Drones companies to new shareholders. Our new shareholders are Tozer & Co. (David Tozer and Craig Tozer) and Martin Checketts. Tozer & Co. is the family investment office of David and Craig Tozer. Tozer & Co. manages a significant portfolio of private companies with a focus to: Invest, Transform, Board & Executive.
When asked about the reasoning behind the investment David Tozer had this to say: “After looking at the business and conducting our due diligence, we realized this is the right team, the right model, as well as the right timing and market dynamics for us to become a leader in providing drone services across Australia. We accept and embrace the fact that it will be fast moving, technology-led and disruptive. We look forward to the challenges ahead”
Current Shareholders Ben Harris and Brad Aylett stated that “Having David, Martin and Craig on board allows us to take this business to another level. Their combined business experience, as well as deeply connected networks and general mentorship, will allow us to grow National Drones to become the premier Drone services provider in Australia. We feel very fortunate and privileged that they have decided to invest in this business, and are confident it will lead to great outcomes for all involved”
Here are some backgrounds on David, Martin, and Craig.
David Tozer
David is the Managing Director of Tozer & Co. and responsible for all investment activities. Prior to this, he was an accomplished investment banker with over 14 years’ experience in Australia and the United Kingdom. He has been involved in a large number of successful domestic and international transactions covering Mergers & Acquisitions, restructurings and special situations. David was one of the founding partners of Houlihan Lokey in Australia and responsible for leading the restructuring and special situations effort. His team won two “deal of the year” awards during this time. He is a committee member of the Turnaround Management Association and a regular speaker at various restructuring, special situations, and distressed debt events. David has a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce double degree (B.LLB and B.Com) from the University of New South Wales graduating as the AXISS Scholar and with Merit. He has completed Chartered Financial Analyst Program (CFA) levels I & II. He has completed the Certified Turnaround Practitioner (CTP) exams with a pending designation.
Craig Tozer
Craig is a member of the investment committee Tozer & Co. and assists in advising investee companies. He is currently the CEO of Oporto, which is an investee of Archer Capital: one Australia’s most successful private equity firms. Craveable Brands owns Oporto, Red Rooster and Chicken Treats representing one of the largest franchise systems in Australia with 600 stores. Craig has been in the business for 5 years and instrumental in the current success of the group and now Oporto. Prior to working with Archer Capital, Craig spent over 10 years in investment banking with J.P. Morgan and Rothschild in Australia and the United Kingdom. Craig worked on some of the largest transactions in Europe. Craig has a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com Accounting), is a Certified Accountant (CA), Master of Applied Finance (M.App Fin) and graduate of the Directors Institute (GAICD)
Martin Checketts
Martin is a senior partner with Mills Oakley, Australia’s fastest growing law firm. He was one of the early partners and instrumental in its significant growth and strategic success in a fast-changing legal market. Aside from management matters, he specializes in advising the owners of private and family businesses and high net wealth individuals. He sits on Mills Oakley’s management board. He has significant experience in acting for franchisors and franchisees in various industries.
We look forward to bringing you more news and updates in 2018!
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