Adviser to Rockpool Investments on its investment in Expolink Group

Wilson Partners Corporate Finance is pleased to announce that we recently advised Rockpool on its investment in Expolink.

“Flexible, responsive and commercial. The Wilson TS team delivered a great product and service, and added genuine value to the deal process.”

Anthony Francis, Rockpool Investments

Rockpool Investments LLP has supported the management buy-out of Chippenham based Expolink Group. The transaction is Rockpool’s 12^th investment completed so far in 2016 and takes the total amount invested since 2013 to £220m.

Expolink provides outsourced whistleblowing and contact centre services to over 500 customers. It was established in 1995 by David and Jackie Crook and currently employs 230 people. The company has grown strongly over recent years and is set to continue to do so on the back of continued demand for whistleblowing services. Whistleblowing is likely to become increasingly important for companies due to increasing regulation and in response to corporate scandals which have been damaging to stakeholder value.

The existing management team remains unchanged as Dominic Mehta stays on as Managing Director along with Finance Director Kate Hewitt, while John Wilson is appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Nick Bacon is appointed Chairman.

John Wilson, Expolink CEO, commented:
“Expolink has a terrific reputation and delivery track record. The MBO allows us to build upon this. We will increase our sales and marketing resource to source new opportunities and providing enhanced services to existing customers.

Rockpool Investments provided a flexible approach to the transaction. They completed their diligence in a timely manner and bring with them an enviable network of high net worth investors whom can introduce new ideas, contacts and business opportunities. We look forward to working with them over the coming years”

Anthony Francis, Rockpool Investments LLP, said:
“We believe that the MBO team can achieve significant growth in the coming years. Expolink is the UK’s largest provider of whistleblowing services and the market is set for growth. There is an increasing requirement for better reporting, measurement and control of whistleblowing policies, as well as regulation and corporate governance becoming ever more important in today’s environment.”

Dan James, Head of Transaction Services at Wilson Partners Ltd commented:
“As we continue to grow our brand and market presence we were delighted to partner with Rockpool on this deal and start to build a relationship with them. They are very proactive and pragmatic investors and we look forward to doing more with them in the future. In Expolink they have invested in a well-run business that has positioned itself to deliver future growth supported by incoming management expertise.”