NORTHAMPTON-based print solutions business Eclipse Web Limited has been acquired by marketing communications group GI Solutions in a deal supported by leading financial and business advisers Grant Thornton.
Founded in 1999, Eclipse employs over 300 staff across its five sites and is one of the largest print firms in the UK offering print, direct mail and marketing services to commercial clients, charities and government bodies.
GI Solutions Group is a leading marketing services company, providing data driven transactional and direct mail, multi-channel marketing and data analytics services as part of a fully integrated offering. The company recently completed a management buy-out in March 2016 to support the continued growth of the business.
Grant Thornton’s Corporate Finance team added specialist skills to the firm’s long-term relationship with Eclipse to support the shareholders as the deal developed.
The team led the deal negotiations and project managed the transaction through due diligence to completion to ensure shareholder objectives were met. Grant Thornton also undertook tax and special projects work as part of the deal process.
Mike Hughes, from Grant Thornton’s Northampton office who led the transaction, said: "Eclipse is a fantastic local business with a strong reputation. The deal had several complex challenges to overcome but by working closely with the shareholders we ensured the transaction was completed smoothly, with an excellent outcome for both parties."
Simon Moore, from Eclipse, added: "The deal with GI Solutions just seemed a natural fit strategically, and from my point of view culturally it worked too; everyone is very positive and excited by it. The team at Grant Thornton showed real dedication to supporting and delivering our objectives and, as a result, we have achieved an excellent outcome."
The Eclipse deal continues the strong start to the year for Grant Thornton with the firm recently completing several significant M&A deals in the region, including the sale of Woodway Packaging, building on its record-breaking 12 months in terms of deal volume and value.
Find out more at www.grant-thornton.co.uk
