Rapport TeleBusiness Consulting LLP, a specialist UK provider of SaaS customer experience analysis solutions for contact centres, recently engaged Entrepreneurs Hub to successfully sell their business to Sabio.
Rapport’s requirements
Owners Graham MacIntyre and Nick Velissarides recognised there would be significant opportunities for development if Rapport was acquired by a larger organisation with the resources to optimise their potential in these markets.
They sought the help of corporate finance experts because they needed bespoke assistance with every stage of the business sale journey e.g. accurate valuation, marketing to prospective acquirers, and negotiation.
Entrepreneurs Hub met their brief because they had first-hand knowledge of the technology industry, enabling them to match Rapport with potential buyers in the contact centre and customer experience space.
An investment in analytics and software reporting tools to properly articulate a compelling proposition to prospective acquirers was another capability they were looking for – another area of expertise we’re renowned for.
We were also able to meet their requirement for a full review of business fundamentals and significant due diligence support to minimise the burden on the sellers and accelerate the deal completion.
Not least, Rapport’s owners wanted to make sure that the acquirer of their business would continue to operate within the same value system; looking after their staff, customers and other stakeholders. Here at Entrepreneurs Hub, we’re very much guided by our own central principles of approachability, integrity and results – so we understand first-hand how important those values are.
The Entrepreneurs Hub solution
Here’s how we used our expertise to achieve a successful sale for Rapport:
- Initiated a ‘discovery day’ with Rapport to familiarise themselves with the business, enabling bespoke support
- Created an ‘ideal buyer profile’ and used research analysis to identify 180 potential targets for their approval
- Prepared an information memorandum, teaser letter and presentation that would enhance acquirer interest
- Anonymously approached approved targets to gain interest and secure a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to enable the release of the information memorandum
- Arranged and chaired meetings between a highly-skilled Deal Director from Entrepreneurs Hub and interested parties
- Received and evaluated multiple offers to establish the preferable choice of buyer, which led to further negotiations to maximise those offers
- Closed the deal with Sabio, a renowned player in customer interaction and optimised value experience
A successful result for all
Rapport was sold to Sabio, a leading player in customer interaction and optimised value experience, for an undisclosed sum – joining their impressive list of subsidiaries including LV= and Homeserve. This means that Rapport’s unique customer experience and efficiency technology now has the opportunity to reach new heights, combined with Sabio’s sharper focus on all aspects of the customer journey.
With the expert help of Entrepreneurs Hub, Rapport’s owners were able to navigate the exit process and sell their business for optimum value and with minimal stress. Nick Velissarides, Managing Partner at Rapport, comments on our process:
“Your detailed approach in researching the right buyer and your persistence in negotiating the terms with an excellent partner who will take our business on to the next level. I would have no hesitation in recommending the Entrepreneurs Hub to business owners who are looking to prepare and sell their business.”
Graham MacIntyre from Rapport adds:
“A big thank you to you all at Entrepreneurs Hub for your help in preparing us for sale and introducing and negotiating with Sabio. The preparation you assisted us with helped immensely and your relevant contacts were the other essential ingredient. The new chapter at Sabio starts tomorrow.”
Sabio and Rapport are very well-matched companies and their synergy has unlocked further value for customers, while contributing directly to improvements in operational performance as well as lower customer effort scores. Sabio has made another giant leap in their acquisition strategy of aligning with innovative adjacent technologies and solutions. It’s a win-win situation all round.
Find out how we can help you find the right buyer, get ‘exit-ready’ and sell your business for maximum value. Make a confidential, no obligation call to one of our directors on 0845 067 8678 or email info@entrepreneurshub.co.uk
