Citation hits deal trail again with QMS swoop

CHESHIRE-based small business consultancy Citation has snapped up QMS International, a deal that will take revenues over £30m.
 
The deal increases Citation’s client base by two thirds, from 9,000 to more than 15,000.
 
The acquisition of QMS also allows health and safety, employment law and HR service specialist Citation to enhance its range of services, adding accredited ISO certification to its offering.
 
Citation, which reported revenue of £26.2m in 2014 and has 316 staff, will retain the established QMS brand. Its 60 employees will remain with the business at the QMS head office in Norwich, while the company’s regional colleagues will also remain in their current roles. The latest QMS turnover figure is £5.5m.

It is the second strategic acquisition for Citation, following the acquisition of Bibby Consulting & Support in 2013 supported by ECI Partners. the mid-market growth investor which acquired Citation in 2012.
 
The acquisition of QMS International is a significant step in Citation’s strategic growth plan to strengthen its position as a  provider of its services to SMEs.

Last week it announced the appointment of former Apprentice star Nick Hewer as an ambassador.
 
Chief executive Chris Morris: “QMS International has an excellent reputation as an accredited ISO organisation.  The company is established and well-known nationally, making it a good fit with Citation.
 
“As a business we are always looking to acquire successful companies that complement the services offered by Citation.

“We actively seek out solid investments and welcome the opportunity to diversify into new sectors, as this enables us to expand our product offering adding real value to our clients.

“This acquisition is a primary example of a great partnership between two like-minded, ambitious businesses and I am confident it will bring future growth to both companies.”
 
Jonathan Chapman, chief executive at QMS said: “Citation’s acquisition of QMS International is great news. 

“Over the course of 21 years we have continually developed the business to being a market leader.  The acquisition was the next natural step for QMS and the deal will allow us to move to the next level; an enhancement to current clients and those we may gain in the future.
 
“For Citation, the connection with an accredited ISO body will hopefully open new doors for business too, as it offers them a bigger platform of resources to utilise.”
 
Richard Chapman, head of business services at ECI and board director at Citation, said: “This highlights our commitment to supporting the teams we back to make strategic investments which has been continuously demonstrated over the last few years during which our portfolio companies have made fourteen acquisitions.”

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