Activate Group has today announced a major investment deal with Elysian Capital, which will fuel its ambitious growth plans.
The leading private equity firm has acquired a majority share in Activate Group and will provide substantial development capital to support the rapid growth of the business. The deal will see the existing management team remain in place to further develop the business’ owned technology and repair capacity, as well as investing in its people and culture.
Building on impressive growth…
Activate Group has seen impressive growth over the past few years, and in 2022, it was included in The Sunday Times 100 list of Britain’s fastest-growing private companies.
In recent months, the group has welcomed major new customers including Holman Fleet Services and AXA, and now handles over 250,000 claims a year.
Today’s announcement will see James Cunningham, Partner at Elysian Capital join the Activate Group board as Chairman. Hannah Wilcox will continue to lead the business in her role as CEO.
Mark Wilcox, Paul Pancham, Jamie Sopp and Mark Woods will step down from their positions on the company’s board, however, Jamie Sopp and Paul Pancham will continue to provide advisory support.
Hannah Wilcox, CEO of Activate Group said:
“I’m incredibly proud of Activate Group’s success. Over the past eight years we’ve taken the business from a start-up with a handful of team members to a UK-wide operation with a 700 strong team.
“Elysian Capital has an outstanding track record of supporting fast-growing businesses like ours, and I’m confident their investment and support will allow us to take Activate Group to the next level and move faster in delivering our key strategic priorities.
“In 2024 we’ll open four more purpose-built repair centres to complement the capacity we have within our partner network. The first of these will open in Hampton, South-West London, in March.
“We’ll also continue to invest in technology that drives efficiency and transparency in the services we offer. In particular, we’re developing systems that will supercharge our Activate Parts business, enabling us to go even further in improving efficiencies and managing cost control for our customers.
“Last, but by no means least, I’m delighted to announce that as part of our commitment to making Activate Group a fantastic place to work, we have now signed up with the Living Wage Foundation. From April 2024, we’ll pay every team member at least the real living wage of £12 per hour.”
James Cunningham, the Group’s newly appointed Chairman, said:
“Activate Group has created a strong proposition in the claims and repair market.
“The management team has a clear vision and strategy for the business’ future growth, and I’m very much looking forward to working with Hannah and the rest of the team to realise the business’ full potential.
“From the day we started discussions with Activate Group, it’s been clear that creating a positive culture is a key priority. It’s particularly pleasing to see the business cement its position as an employer of choice in the industry by making a commitment to the Living Wage Foundation.”
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