Dods helps its clients to navigate the complex political and public sector environments across the UK and EU. The first Dods branded product, Dods Parliamentary Companion, was published in 1832 and the group is well established in key areas of the UK and EU political, public sector and special policy area communities. Today, Dods operates across four areas: business intelligence, events, media and training. The company works with many multi-national clients including Microsoft, BAE and GlaxoSmithKline.
Part of Dods’ strategy is to acquire complementary businesses which can strengthen its position with clients and open new markets.
We began by providing a target search which highlighted a selection of potential targets from which Dods identified Meritgroup (a highly rated tech company specialising in data and code), we then provided full buy-side assistance including contributions to engagement, deal structuring, negotiation support, valuation, financial due diligence, tax, working capital, technology due diligence and integration planning.
Dods Group engaged with us to help identify targets which met its key strategic and financial criteria. The acquisition deepens Dods’ technical capabilities within data – a key strategic objective at the outset of the search.
Grant Thornton provided a very professional service across corporate finance advisory, as well as due-diligence, tax, IT and integration advice and planning. With a commercial overlay and resilience we were glad to have them on board to deliver this strategic acquisition for Dods.
Simon Presswell Group CEO, Dods Group plc
