Hazlewoods Corporate Finance team is pleased to have advised InfoSec People, a Cheltenham-based boutique cyber and technology recruitment consultancy, with their latest management buyout (MBO).
Chris Dunning Walton founded InfoSec People in 2008 with one goal in mind – ‘to inspire people to find the careers that inspire them.’ 15 years later, those words ring true for Ben Craig, Managing Director, who joined the company as a 360 Consultant in 2017 and is now officially the new owner of InfoSec People.
Chris commented: “After growing the business to 20+ person, £7 million turnover, I am proud and excited to see InfoSec under new ownership in our Managing Director and good friend, Ben, who will continue to be supported by myself and David Clayden as Board Advisors. I have no doubt that through [Ben’s] leadership, Infosec will continue to grow and prosper.”
Ben said: “Chris has been an excellent mentor, leader and friend. I am very excited to continue the journey with my wonderful team who challenge and inspire me every day. The mission remains the same, and that is to become the best in the industry at what we do.”
Hazlewoods Corporate Finance supported InfoSec People with the MBO by providing financial, taxation and structuring advise.
James Whittaker, Hazlewoods Associate Partner, commented: “It has been a true pleasure working with Chris and Ben throughout. They are a real team, and it is great to see both the business and careers alike enter a new and exciting chapter that I’m certain will flourish.”
Chris said: “Hazlewoods have been instrumental in smoothly bringing this deal to life over the last few months and have been a fantastic supporting partner for the business over the last five years.
“James’ knowledge of business transactions is simply phenomenal, and he seamlessly mixes this with a genuine and consultative approach – he is simply the best in the region. Thank you for all your support and guidance, absolutely superb.”
Ben added: “Working with James has been a pleasure from start to finish. Whilst the deal James supported us with was fairly black and white on paper, there were several areas that, once uncovered, made things more complex. James took the time to speak with me directly about the deal itself, and what it meant to the business.
“In a world of economic uncertainty, it is paramount to the business that we have trusted advisers like Hazlewoods and James. I look forward to many more years of great business with Hazlewoods.”
If you are considering buying a business, selling your company or are looking for ways to finance your growth plans and would like to find out more about the process, please contact James Whittaker on 01242 680000 or email james.whittaker@hazlewoods.co.uk.
