Vertex heads down under with PCI deal
OUTSOURCING specialist Vertex has increased its global reach after buying an Australian business.
The Liverpool-based business – one of the largest firms in the UK specialising in customer management outsourcing – has acquired PCI, which has operations in Melbourne and the Philippines, for an undisclosed sum.
Vertex, a former United Utilities division which handles websites, call centres and back office operations for local authorities, utilities and retailers, said the deal would add to its global portfolio.
The acquisition will invest in client relationships and capitalise on the high-growth potential of the Asia Pacific market, said the company.
Chief executive Paul Sweeny said: “This acquisition will allow us to enter markets where we can make a real difference to the way organisations interact with, and manage, their customers’ experiences. It also gives us direct access to a growing regional market that is an important element of our global growth ambitions.”
The company will open a new site in Victoria employing 600 people over the next two years. A further site in Australia and additional investment in the Philippines are also planned.
Vertex was established in 1996 by United Utilities to handle customer services and generate cost savings on non-core support services. In 2007 it was bought by a consortium of three US investment firms, Oak Hill Capital Partners, GenNx360 Capital Partners and Knox Lawrence International.
It employs around 9,000 people with some 2,500 at offices in Manchester, Warrington, Bolton and Liverpool.
