For owners and directors who want frequent interaction with their peer community and the support of an Elite Principal throughout their membership.

Background

Digital Gurus joined Elite looking for structured advice and support to address business growth strategy and how to get ready for sale. Our Chairman, John O’Sullivan became Non-Exec Chairman for Digital Gurus, and we also recommended an experienced consultant CFO who Digital Gurus subsequently appointed.

In addition to key directors joining our Elite XL programme, six key managers also joined Elite Future Leaders.

Strategy

Elite helped the directors at Digital Gurus devise and implement the strategy to grow into a mature, sale-ready business. Alongside more rigorous financial systems and 2nd tier management capability we assisted with compliance which later ensured a very smooth due diligence process.

Through our contacts we identified that Rethink Group were looking to increase their strength in the digital space. We then assisted in appointing the right lawyers and financial advisors and helped steer the deal home.

Outcomes  

The initial consideration was a mix of cash and shares in the now enlarged Rethink Group. There was a further, secondary consideration of cash and shares tied to the first year’s performance following the sale.

Of the three founders of Digital Gurus, one is now on the board of Rethink as a significant shareholder in the larger business (and still an Elite XL member), one runs the Dubai operation, and one exited entirely from the business.

Background

Resourcing Solutions Group joined Elite Leaders 10 years ago, with a number of key managers and directors as members. The owner of the business soon moved onto the Elite XL programme looking for an experienced Non-Exec Director to help get the business into shape for a sale.

Strategy

Elite helped devise and implement the growth and sale strategy, injecting more rigour into the business and making processes more efficient and consistent. We identified Gattaca plc as the successful buyer out of a number of potential ‘suitors’.

Outcomes  

Gattaca bought the business 70% of the business for cash with an option to buy the remaining 30% after 1 year which it subsequently did. The owner and CEO of Resourcing Solutions remained with the business for that 1st year and then exited cleanly.

Background

RIG Locums founder joined Elite XL 10 years ago, looking for help getting the business into shape for a sale. Subsequently several key managers joined our Elite Leaders programme. Elite Chairman, John O’Sullivan, became the board’s key advisor throughout the process of preparation and steering the company through a successful sale.

Outcomes  

CPL Resources bought the business for shares in the enlarged group, of which the RIG Locums founder is now a board director (and remains an enthusiastic member of Elite XL).

Background

The two founding directors of Henlow Recruitment Group joined Elite XL 5 years ago looking for an experienced Chair and Non-Exec Director to help get the business into shape for a sale. Elite also recommended an experienced consultant CFO who the directors subsequently appointed.

Strategy

Elite helped devise and implement the growth and sale strategy, injecting more rigour into the business and making processes more efficient and consistent. Also, on our recommendation, key employees joined our Elite Future Leaders programme. We identified nGAGE as the successful buyer and helped appoint Deloitte and legal experts Mishcon de Reya to help steer the deal.

Outcomes  

The initial consideration was for a majority shareholding bought for cash (financed by Graphite Capital), with an agreed formula for the rest of the shareholding.

The two founders have stayed with the nGAGE group to grow the Henlow brand, and the group, internationally. Both remain Elite XL members.

Background

The two founding directors of Omega Resources (a blue collar recruiter in Gloustershire)  joined Elite XL 8 years ago looking for an experienced Chair and Non-Exec Director to help get the business into shape for a sale. 

Strategy

Elite Chairman, John O’Sullivan, became the strategic key advisor to the business throughout the process of preparation and steering the company through a successful sale. John proposed splitting the business into two distinct brands to capitalise on the growing need in the sector for RPO services, as well as helping to implement the growth and sale strategy. Also, on our recommendation, key employees joined our Elite Future Leaders programme. 

Outcomes  

The business was sold in 2018 to Staffline, entirely for cash for £25M – achieving an impressive sales multiple of 11 – with no tie-in whatsoever for the founders who took a clean exit from the business.

Background

Talent solutions disruptor, Elements Talent Solutions, joined Elite XL 2 years ago looking for an experienced Chair and Non-Exec Director to assist with finding the right investment partner to fund the rapid growth required to achieve their longer term goals. 

Approach  

Through the Elite XL network our chair, John O’Sullivan, introduced Elements to BGF (Business Growth Fund) who immediately saw the potential and ambition of Elements and their innovative approach. 

Outcomes  

The deal took 9 months from initial approach to completion and saw BGF invest £3.45M in Elements – which now has a net worth of £30M.