Expanding pipeline sees Epi-V boost deal team

Specialist private equity investor Epi-V has responded to a significant rise in new investment opportunities in the upstream oil and gas sector by further strengthening its deal making team with the appointment of Dominic McCann as an independent Technology Advisor.

Working closely with John Hutchinson, who leads the Epi-V deal origination team, Dominic will advise on new investments as well as provide his expertise to existing portfolio business on the development of intellectual property and new technology.

Dominic has over 25 years experience at Schlumberger, the world’s largest oil and gas service provider, where he held a number of senior research, product development and management positions across a broad range of the company’s operations.

He has particular experience in identifying, acquiring and commercialising new technology and building profitable international business divisions.

The appointment is in response to increasing deal flow in the market created by industry investment in pursuing new upstream opportunities.

Epi-V recently funded the launch of Scarlet, a company which has developed a unique sand control system to maximise oil and gas well production.

The fund invested a multimillion pound package of growth capital to support the engineering development, proof of concept and full commercialisation of the technology. It has also financed the opening of an office and product development facility in Aberdeen and has used its extensive industry network to recruit Managing Director Steve Bruce.

Glynn Williams, Managing Partner at Epi-V, said: “As the global economy begins to recover and exploration and production operations pick up, we’re seeing increasing demand for exactly the type of innovative products and services which we invest in.

“To further enhance our capability to transact businesses and commercialise the next generation of upstream technology, we’re continually strengthening the team across a range of disciplines.

“Dominic is a perfect fit with Epi-V as he has vast amounts of experience in identifying, acquiring, developing and implementing new solutions which bring significant operational benefits to service companies.”

Dominic McCann said: “What struck me about Epi-V is the balance of expertise within the team which incorporates corporate finance, technology development, field application and marketing.

“There’s a strong pipeline of new investment opportunities out there and I’m looking forward to working with management teams to ensure Epi-V’s funding, strategic guidance and operational support helps drive success in their business.”

In 2009 the Epi-V team was boosted with the arrival of industry heavyweight Kevin Forbes who also held senior management positions within a 28 year career at Schlumberger.

At the same time the fund expanded its Corporate Finance team with the recruitment of Tallat Mahmood as Investment Analyst. In April 2010 the support team was further strengthened with the appointment of Peter Mathews as Financial Controller.

ENDS