April 2019
Security Print Solutions
Authentix
Adviser to Security Print Solutions on their sale to Authentix
£undisclosed
Grant Thornton team
  • Nick Gillott
    Nick Gillott
    Head of Industrials, Corporate Finance Advisory
Industrials
Sell side
Corporate finance
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We are delighted to have advised Security Print Solutions Limited on their sale to Authentix.

Security Print Solutions (SPS), based in Consett, Durham is a recognised market leader in the research, development and manufacture of advanced security print technologies. SPS offers its clients high security print solutions ranging from security labels, documents and high security tax stamps on a global scale.

We were given the opportunity to meet with the shareholders to explore a potential sale process of SPS given our international network and access to overseas buyers. We provided full sell-side corporate finance advisory services to help facilitate the sale of the business.

US-based Authentix Inc, backed by private equity house Blue Water Energy (London) made the acquisition through its UK subsidiary Authentix Limited. Authentix provides advanced authentication solutions for governments, central banks and commercial products including manufacturers in the oil and gas, pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries.

This strategic acquisition allows Authentix to accelerate its ambitious growth plan, expanding its support in tax recovery programmes for governments as well as increasing the scope of its offering for its brand protection clients. It allows the provision of integrated high security printing and the authentication and information solutions all under one roof.

Our sector knowledge, experience and network of buyers drove a competitive auction process that, crucially, safeguarded confidentiality and delivered a successful outcome for the shareholders whilst securing an exciting home for the business.

Testimonials
Grant Thornton have delivered a result exceeding our expectations, their support and guidance throughout the journey was invaluable. Grant Thornton understand our business and how we operate. The outcome is testament to their experience, international network and negotiation skills. They ran a sales process that brought the right buyer to the table that will allow SPS to continue to flourish. Thank you for your advice and dedication.
Jim Crowther Managing Director, Security Print Solutions Limited