Sunderland training outfit sold to Australian firm

Sunderland-based IQ Management Systems (IQMS) Limited has been sold to Australian firm SAI Global.

The deal was advised by Baker Tilly and Hay & Kilner and will see IQMS become part of the global information services firm with an annual turnover of $479 million.

IQMS was established by Geoff Hill in 1990, the Company has developed a market-leading position in management systems training across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. IQMS has over 100 approved tutors, including 90 from its global partnership network spread across 13 countries.

SAI Global also provides aggregated access services to standards, handbooks, legislative and property publications, as well as, auditing, certifying and registering products, systems and supply chains.

SAI Global already has a strong certification presence in the UK, and the acquisition of IQMS helps it achieve its goal of a more significant training offering. IQMS’s founder and shareholder, Geoff Hill was advised by the corporate finance team of

Baker Tilly’s Corporate Finance Associate Director, Michael Cantwell, said: “We have been working closely with Geoff for two years, preparing the Company for a sale. From the outset we recognised that there would be potential interest from across the globe, and so used our international network to identify Sydney based SAI Global as a key potential acquirer. It is pleasing to see many months of planning come to a successful conclusion for Geoff.”

Hay & Kilner’s Corporate Partner, Mark Adams, said: “Geoff has been a pleasure to work with. I am absolutely delighted for him and to have played a significant part in helping negotiate this deal. We wish Geoff every success and are sure that IQMS will continue to thrive.”

Geoff Hill praised the advisers, saying: “Having never sold a company previously I did not appreciate the extent of work required, from getting my company in shape for a sale, identifying the right strategic buyers, and then moving through the disposal process. My advisers have been proactive, responsive and professional throughout; we can all be delighted with the successful outcome.”

Commenting on SAI Global, Geoff said: “Having worked so hard to build the business over the last 23 years, it was very important to me to find the right buyer. In SAI Global, we have done that and I am delighted that I am leaving IQMS in good hands.” SAI Global received legal advice on the transaction by London based Shoosmiths LLP.