QDOSsbl is a specialist provider of telecoms and IT solutions to the hospitality sector with clients including global hotel brands, luxury hotels and restaurant chains across the UK and the world.
With many buyers developing strategies to target specific vertical markets, Knight was able to target those parties willing to pay a strategic premium for an entry point into the hospitality sector. The Ridgewall deal offered a clean exit for Stone Ventures, QDOSsbl’s institutional investor, whilst the management shareholders continue their journey as part of the leadership team at the enlarged group.
Simon Catterick, CEO at QDOSsbl, said “We’ve enjoyed the journey with Knight. They ensured the business and our team were fully prepared for the transaction and delivered a deal that fully realised our aspirations for the business. I enjoy working in the hospitality sector and now have the firepower to develop the business at home and abroad, potentially with another bite of the cherry in due course”.
Tom Jones, Associate Director at Knight, said “We are delighted about the outcome of this deal for both management and private equity shareholders which saw with Ridgewall seeing off strong competition to anchor itself as a leader in the hospitality sector. We are particularly pleased that our Vendor Assist product ensured that the business was well prepared for the transaction and significantly reduced the due diligence workload”.
Founded in 2008, Knight work with entrepreneurs to unlock and realise shareholder value in their business. It has completed over 100 deals in the technology and telecoms industry from its London and Warrington offices. Other recent deals include advising Network Telecom on its sale to Enreach, Invosys on its £6m+ funding package from Santander and inTec Business Solutions on its acquisition of Titan Networks.