Maven exits SPS delivering a 3x return

Transaction is the 13th profitable exit for Maven investors since January 2014.

Maven has made a profitable exit from SPS (EU) Holdings Limited (SPS), delivering a 3x return on funds invested in 2014. The transaction is the 2nd profitable exit for Maven investors in recent months, following the sale of Crawford Scientific for 4.7x the initial investment in October.

SPS is the UK’s largest provider of promotional merchandise, supplying over 2,000 independent distributors in the UK and Europe, and employs over 300 staff. The Company operates out of a 90,000 sq. ft. site in Blackpool with manufacturing, branding and storage facilities.

Maven led the management buy-out of SPS from 4imprint Group plc in February 2014 to support its strategy of growing the business organically and by acquisition. Following Maven's investment SPS achieved impressive growth, through a commitment to innovation, operational excellence and new product development. Maven also supported the SPS management team in identifying and acquiring two high quality bolt-on acquisitions, High Profile in June 2015 and T.E.C. in November 2015, which consolidated the enlarged business as the UK market leader in the promotional products industry. 

SPS has been acquired by Polyconcept Group (PFC), a US multi-national backed by Charlesbank Capital Partners, a US mid-market private equity firm. PFC is the largest promotional products supplier globally, selling into over 100 countries.

Ryan Bevington, Investment Director at Maven, said: “We were very impressed with the management team’s vision for the SPS business from the outset. They have executed their strategy successfully, delivering robust growth by investing in the manufacturing and I.T. capabilities of the business and integrated the acquisitions seamlessly. We wish Phil and his team all the very best for the future and are confident that they will be able to take the business to the next level with new owner PF Concept.”

Philip Morgan, CEO of SPS said: “Maven believed in our vision for the business and has been a hugely supportive financial partner and adviser. Ryan and the team played an important role in helping transform SPS through a combination of small acquisitions, international growth and operational efficiencies, and we were very pleased to have worked so closely with them over the past few years. SPS is in the position where it will now benefit from being part of a larger group and it is thanks to the foundations that Maven helped the management team of SPS to put into place that we are were able to attract the interest of such a successful global business.”