Private equity house LDC has strengthened its Birmingham office with the appointment of a new investment director.

David Bains joins from Global Leisure Partners, the leisure and consumer focused adviser and investor, where he spent nine years, most latterly as a managing director focusing on the UK.

In his new role with LDC, which last year acquired the NEC Group from Birmingham City Council for £307 million, Mr Bains will be responsible for identifying potential investment opportunities, leading transactions and supporting its portfolio companies.

While at Global Leisure, he completed deals with UK businesses such as budget leisure chain Pure Gym, bookmaker Betfred and building supplies group Wolseley.

Prior to this, he spent three years at financial services firm PwC in London where he qualified as a chartered accountant.

Mr Bains said: "There is growing understanding of the transformative impact that private equity investment can have and I look forward to working with new management teams, exploring their funding options and supporting the growth of LDC's portfolio."

Birmingham director Andy Lyndon added: "2015 was a stand-out year for LDC with a number of significant deals completed in the Midlands, notably our acquisition of the NEC Group.

"This deal demonstrates the quality of investment opportunities that our region can offer, particularly after a period of significant inward investment and redevelopment within Birmingham.

"David's appointment introduces another experienced individual to further strengthen our team as we drive investment activity and look to identify more businesses capable of growth with our support in 2016."