Greater Manchester translation company acquires Tunbridge Wells firm

North West language services provider The Translation People has acquired a translation company based in Tunbridge Wells.

Cicero Translations, which has a second office in London, employs four staff and recorded a turnover of £550k in its latest financial results.

The company was founded in 1980 by Paul Mason, who will remain with the business in a consultancy role for a year before retiring.

Cicero’s client base spans the education, publishing, manufacturing, design, marketing and e-commerce sectors, including businesses such as Heathrow Airport, Rentalcars.com and consumer goods giant PZ Cussons.

The Translation People is headquartered in Cheadle Hulme and has additional offices in Middlesex, Glasgow and Birmingham.

The firm achieved revenues of £5.1m in 2017 after a record year, during which it expanded overseas with a new office in Germany.

Steve Wilde, managing director of The Translation People, said: “We have been looking for a suitable acquisition in the London and south-east region for some time.

“Cicero is a well-run business with excellent staff, a very good reputation and an impressive client base. With its strong market positions in sectors such as education and financial and economic publishing, we believe Cicero will make a great addition to our business.”

He continued: “Our combined expertise will ensure an even better quality of service. For Cicero and its clients, it is business as usual, with the added bonus that being part of a larger organisation will enable access to greater funding for investment in technology and access to our worldwide network of translators and interpreters.

“The enlarged business as a result of this acquisition creates an even greater force in the translation industry.”

Commenting on the deal, Paul Mason said: “I’ve known the senior directors at The Translation People for some time and I am delighted that we have been able to complete this deal, ensuring continuity for staff and clients alike and the Cicero brand.

“I am confident that the business will continue to thrive as part of The Translation People.”

The acquisition was completed for an undisclosed sum.