Acquisitions

The Panther Group's acquisition strategy is to build a combination of companies that can independently and collectively propel the group forward to achieve its vision and goals. The group seeks to acquire businesses that do not compete with Panther and which will complement Panther's range of services.

Acquired companies benefit from shared best practice, reduced costs and new business opportunities through leveraging client relationships across the group. The Panther Group is determined to establish a brand that differentiates the company within the marketplace. We are interested in discussing potential company acquisitions with businesses that will collectively deliver the Panther Group brand and vision.

Typically, acquired businesses will be leaders in their marketing discipline, operationally stable with EBITA growth of 5% - 10% and a turnover between £1m and £10m. We are particularly interested in talking with chief executives with businesses in the following areas:

• Data Analytics
• Database and Technology Solutions
• Digital Marketing and Web Services
• On Line Marketing Research
• Full Services Contact Centre

In line with its buy and build strategy, The Panther Group acquired call centre business Pell & Bales through a management buy-out in March 2007.

Pell & Bales is a provider of outsourced fundraising and consulting services to the not-for-profit, charity and membership sector, and pioneered the use of targeted telemarketing for fundraising and campaigning in the UK. The company, founded in 1990, has developed a leading expertise in the development and use of specialist data-centric products which allows their key clients to achieve specific marketing and fundraising objectives. P&B has long standing partnerships with some of the UK's leading not-for-profit organisations and charities including Cancer Research UK, Oxfam, the NSPCC and WWF.

Funding was supplied by Iceni Capital. Iceni Capital is a pragmatic, 'hands-on' private equity partnership making investments in smaller UK service-based growth companies.