During the six years that Sovereign backed Alcumus, the business grew from being a specialist COSHH, health and safety risk management services provider to become the UK market-leading provider of technology-enabled compliance, risk management and certification services.
Sovereign originally created Alcumus through its investment in Sypol in 2009. In partnership with the management team, Sovereign outlined a strategy to acquire a specific range of complementary risk management businesses to extend the Group’s services to match customers' needs and deliver strong growth.
Alcumus successfully integrated four bolt-on acquisitions identified by Sovereign:
Vendor drivers: Some of the owners of these businesses wished to retire, whilst at the same time securing the long-term future of the business. Others were attracted by the opportunity to access new funding, new markets and to become part of a rapidly expanding group.
Alcumus at exit: The management team successfully packaged the breadth of their combined services and achieved 15 quarters of unbroken organic growth. Alcumus had grown to become the UK market-leading provider of technology-enabled compliance risk management and certification services operating throughout the UK and via a global network.
The business had combined innovative technology with expert advice to support clients to manage their exposure to risk, comply with the latest legislation, improve business performance and encourage workforce engagement. The client base had grown from 600 to over 8,000 customers and the business worked with 35% of FTSE 100 companies.
Sovereign provided both significant investment and strategic support, enabling the business to successfully integrate and develop its technology-enabled service offering and provide clients with a truly holistic solution. It was a true partnership.
Martin Smith / Former CEO
