Chester ID verification expert sells subsidiary to US group

GBG, the Chester-based identity data intelligence specialist, has signed an agreement to sell its Employ and Comply business unit to First Advantage, for an undisclosed sum.

US-based First Advantage is a global provider of technology solutions for background and employment screening.

The sale supports GBG’s strategy of focusing on its core global capabilities of location intelligence, identity verification and fraud prevention.

GBG’s Employ & Comply business is focused on the UK market.

The group said Employ and Comply will become part of a global leader in employee screening, providing it with the focus, scale and investment necessary to continue its corporate development.

First Advantage is one of the largest screening providers in the world, conducting more than 75 million screening checks annually, with in excess of 35,000 customers globally.

Employ and Comply is currently part of GB Group’s Identity segment and accounted for approximately 3.4% of group revenue in fiscal year 2020.

GBG chief executive, Chris Clark, said: “We recognise that employment screening services require specialist market capability.

“First Advantage has a global capability in background screening services and is a business that shares many of our values.

“We believe we’ve found a great home for our customers and our people who will bring great expertise, energy and capability to First Advantage in the UK.”