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EMaC was founded in Crewe in 2004, and has developed into the UK’s leading outsourced provider and administrator of service plans for motor vehicles and the only company solely focused on the provision of service plans for the retail motor industry in the UK and Eire. It provides motor retailers with a tool to enhance customer retention rates in the face of increasing competition in the motor industry, by working together to deliver service plans to vehicle owners through user-friendly web-based technology.
EMaC has grown rapidly under the leadership of Angela Barrow and her team, who acquired the company in 2011 through a MBO, backed by private equity firm Mobeus Equity Partners. This transaction saw Mobeus achieve a full exit for its £6m investment, achieving a 3x money return and provided a highly successful outcome for all parties.
Angela and her team have created an attractive proposition and a platform which will allow the company to grow further in both existing markets and through international expansion into mainland Europe. BHP Corporate Finance ran an effective, flexible process which was designed not only to maximize value for the shareholders but also to find an acquiror which was a suitable strategic partner to continue the success of the EMaC brand and help take it to the next level. There is a natural fit between Innovation and EMaC, both in complementary expertise and in a shared culture.
Angela Barrow, who has overseen a period of significant growth during her tenure as CEO, has committed to remaining with the business post acquisition to continue overseeing her vision for the strategic growth of the company. She commented:
“This latest chapter in the EMaC story is a very exciting one, which will support our aims to broaden our proposition and move into new markets. The team at the Innovation Group were attracted by our reputation and growth and like us, puts customers and customer service first – an excellent platform consisting of strong services and great people. This transaction positions us to deliver not only on our UK ambitions, but also our much bigger global plans. The move will allow us to accelerate our expansion plans and take EMaC and its employees to the next level.
We are extremely grateful to the team at BHP for their guidance and invaluable advice throughout this process.”
A BHP Corporate Finance team led by Partner Hamish Morrison and Director Andy Haigh acted as lead advisors to the shareholders of EMaC throughout the disposal. Hamish commented:
“I have known Angela for a number of years now and during this period the growth in the business has been extremely impressive. Her tireless work has resulted in EMaC becoming the market leader in the UK and she has built a fantastic platform from which I am certain the company will continue to grow both in the UK and Europe.
It has been a pleasure working with the shareholders and I am certain that under the continued guidance of Angela and with a like-minded new owner, the company will go from strength to strength.”