International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has advised employee engagement consultancy Scarlettabbott on a significant investment deal into the company by long-standing client LDC, the UK's leading mid-market private equity firm.

York-headquartered Scarlettabbott specialises in helping clients better engage with their people to enhance performance and positively influence workplace culture. Clients include Sony Interactive Entertainment, Booking.com, EY and Chivas Brothers.

With its investment, LDC is backing the existing management team at Scarlettabbott, led by chief executive Jeremy Petty, to support the company's goal of doubling its 50-strong team – currently based across offices in York and London – within the next five years.

The WBD team advising Scarlettabbott was led by Partner Robert Phillips and Solicitor Becky Brook on the acquisition side of the transaction, and Partner James Cook and Managing Associate David Ridley led the investment side of the deal.

Robert Phillips of WBD commented:

"We are proud to have assisted the shareholders of Scarlettabbott on such an exciting move to support their future growth plans. Scarlettabbott has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and we look forward to seeing how this new partnership with LDC will continue to fuel company's impressive growth."

Jeremy Petty, Chief Executive of Scarlettabbott, said:

"This is a hugely exciting time for Scarlettabbott. We have seen significant growth in recent years through our focus on creating a better world of work for our colleagues, our clients and the industry as a whole. We are hugely grateful to the team at Womble Bond Dickinson for their support, they provided excellent advice throughout the process and their expertise in private equity is second to none."