A Kent-based company which supplies businesses with HVAC equipment for hire has secured new investment from a private equity firm.

Rapid Energy is now backed by Baird Capital, the private equity arm of Baird, in a move which will help the company expand its fleet and offering, invest in technology and innovation, and grow its engineering capability.

Rapid Energy specialises in mission-critical temperature-control equipment, including heaters, boilers and chillers, to the education, construction, facilities management, healthcare, leisure and tourism, residential care home and public sectors.

Julien Fougere, chief executive of Rapid Energy, said: “We are delighted to partner with Baird Capital for the next chapter of our growth.

“Their deep understanding of our sector and experience supporting founder-owned businesses like ours provides the ideal platform to accelerate investment in our fleet, technology and people while staying true to our mission and values.

Our leadership team remains in place, our customer-first culture remains at the core of the business, and this partnership gives us the resources to strengthen and scale what already makes Rapid Energy successful.”

James Benfield, partner at Baird Capital, added: “Rapid Energy has built an impressive reputation for technical expertise and market-leading customer service.

“We’re excited to support the company as it broadens its fleet and deepens its engineering capabilities.

“This partnership reflects a shared vision for long‑term growth, and we look forward to helping the team build on the strong foundation they’ve already created.”

Baird Capital was advised on the deal by Eversheds Sutherland (legal), CIL (commercial), BDO (financial and tax), Coppett Hill (GTM), Stifel (corporate finance), New Street Consulting (management), ERM (environmental, health and safety) and WTW (insurance).

Rapid Energy was advised by HCR Law (legal) and Archer Flemming (corporate finance).