Completed sale
Responsible Mailing Printing & Publishing Business Acquisition by BIE Magnum
We helped to close the sale of Responsible Mailing Ltd to a larger-scale business… Preston-based Responsible Mailing commenced trading in 1997, quickly establishing itself within its sector and building up lasting relationships with customers. It is a provider of several mailing and fulfilment services, including laser printing, hand packing, polywrapping, envelope inserting, inkjetting, postage discounts and a pick-and-pack service. Shareholding is equally divided between David Hindle and Ailsa Fincham. Having built up the business for over 26 years, our clients decided to offer the company for sale as part of their retirement plans. Responsible Mailing describes itself as ‘one of the most innovative and forward-thinking mailing and fulfilment companies in the UK’, ensuring its products and services are environmentally friendly. Its clients are based in a range of sectors, including tourist and leisure, marketing, transport, charity and education. The consistently high standard of service provided has enabled it to build and maintain strong, long-standing relationships with its clients, several of which span over 15 years. Helen Bainbridge, Knightsbridge Commercial Executive, led buyer research and strategy, and explained some of the key aspects of the company that drew formal interest from 59 interested acquirers: “Responsible Mailing has enjoyed a year-on-year increase for gross profit and EBITDA. Recent figures show a turnover of £287,000 and an adjusted EBITDA of £83,000. “Its reputation has diminished the requirement for any proactive marketing activity, with new clients being introduced via referrals. As such, there is plenty of scope for growth. It also operates from leasehold premises, with the potential to be relocated to a larger property. “Further to this, Responsible Mailing holds accreditations with North & Western Chamber of Commerce and the Information Commissioner’s Office.” After conducting over a dozen meetings, Knightsbridge tabled two competing offers for David and Ailsa to choose from. The successful party: Paul Uttley’s BIE Magnum Ltd, based in Bristol, acquiring Responsible Mailing as a bolt-on to grow the original company.
BIE Magnum is a long-standing specialist industrial engineering finishing company which recently celebrated its 50th birthday, having been established in 1973. It has since grown to be an innovative leader in quality and bespoke industrial engineering paint, print, engraving and treatment finishing solutions of critical parts, boxes, panels and labels – all under one roof. Responsible Mailing will therefore have a specific function and role to play. Helen concluded: “The deal went through very smoothly, both parties were great to deal with and they both got on really well with one another. I wish David, Ailsa and Paul the very best in the future.”