Grant Thornton advises Springboard Research Holdings Limited

Springboard is the leading provider of insights on bricks-and-mortar retail activity, tracking and forecasting pedestrian traffic and delivering performance metrics across retail destinations. Founded in 2002, the business partners with leading brands across the world and is relied upon by global media and government bodies.

We advised the management team on the MBO of the business in 2014, backed by YFM Equity Partners.

We were appointed by the shareholders of Springboard to explore options to realise a partial to full exit for the various management-shareholders and YFM Equity Partners.

Our team prepared the business for sale before launching a dual-track process which focused on exploring both private equity investors and trade (strategic) acquirers.

During this process we utilised our international network to explore international investors and acquirers – particularly in the US, a key growth market for the Springboard business.

Following a competitive marketing process with several bidders we progressed into exclusivity with US-based MRI Software. Our corporate finance team provided hands-on support through the diligence process, bringing in other relevant firm expertise in areas such as tax advisory as required, bringing the transaction to a successful conclusion.