Orbia sold Hepworth Clay to 4D Capital Partners
Orbia Advance Corporation, a global diversified company, sold Hepworth Clay, a UK-based specialist in clay drainage systems, to 4D Capital Partners, a private equity firm.
Founded in Mexico and publicly listed (BMV: ORBIA*), Orbia Advance Corporation, S.A.B. de C.V. operates across multiple sectors, including building and infrastructure through its Wavin business. Wavin is a global provider of innovative water and climate management solutions with operations in over 40 countries. Hepworth Clay formed part of Wavin’s UK operations and specialised in vitrified clay pipe systems for drainage.
4D Capital Partners is a European private equity investor with a focus on industrial technology and complex carve-out opportunities. The acquisition of Hepworth Clay reflects 4D Capital’s strategy of supporting businesses with strong technical expertise and potential for growth under independent ownership.
The transaction involved the complex carve-out of Hepworth Clay from Orbia’s UK operations. Clairfield led a competitive international sale process, delivering a creative separation structure that enabled a smooth divestment from the wider Orbia group while ensuring operational continuity. The process involved close collaboration between Clairfield teams in Mexico and the UK, and was initiated through Clairfield’s relationship with a key family office investor in Orbia.
“We are very pleased with Clairfield’s support on the Hepworth Clay transaction,” said Freek Crum, President of Orbia Building & Infrastructure. “This successful sale advances Orbia’s non-core asset divestment program, helping to streamline our portfolio while positioning Hepworth Clay for continued growth under new ownership.”
«This transaction exemplifies our commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients through persistence and problem solving,» said Tom McCarthy, Partner and Co-Leader of Industrials at Clairfield. “It also demonstrates our teamwork across continents, with our Mexican and UK teams working hand in hand throughout the deal.”
Despite the complexity of the carve-out, the Clairfield team effectively managed the separation challenges, coordinated a range of stakeholder requirements and maintained competitive tension throughout the process.
Clairfield International acted as exclusive financial advisor to Orbia.
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