Vertex sells private sector division for £40.5m
LIVERPOOL-based call centre operator Vertex has sold its private sector division to Capita in a deal worth £40.5m.
The division, which offers call centre services for companies in the retail, utilities and telecoms sector, made an operating profit of £4.6m on sales of £48.8m in the year to March 31. Its customers include Marks & Spencer, The National Trust and Scottish Power.
The business has 1,400 employees across the UK at sites in Liverpool,
Manchester, Salford, Forres and Sheffield. It also has additional support from a 200-strong team in India. All of the employees will transfer to Capita.
Paul Pindar, Capita chief executive, said: “Our heritage in delivering first class customer services operations is well-established.
“Many of our clients adopt a multi-channel approach for both sales and also customer engagement, so it is essential that we have the depth of functions necessary to meet all of these requirements.
“This acquisition will bring new expertise and capabilities that will not only strengthen our existing proposition, but will also open up new market opportunities in the private sector.”
Paul Sweeny, CEO of Vertex said: “Our clearly differentiated Private Sector business brings real value to Capita in a highly competitive market.
“As a result of today’s transaction, we will continue to focus on and grow in the areas where we are acknowledged as leaders – helping clients unlock citizen and customer value in the public sector and financial services markets in the UK.”
