YFM delivers 2.6x return with sale of Intelligent Office

YFM Equity Partners’ managed funds, British Smaller Companies VCT PLC and British Smaller Companies VCT2 PLC, have sold their shareholding in Intelligent Office, the outsourced support solutions provider for the legal sector, to Williams Lea, the global skilled business support services firm.

As part of the acquisition, Bristol-based Intelligent Office brings a strong client base and over 800 employees into the Williams Lea organisation. The clients, including several of the top 200 UK law firms, will benefit from Williams Lea’s best-in-class corporate infrastructure, global reach, and its focus on leading-edge technology.

Rachel McCorry, CEO Intelligent Office commented on the acquisition: “Williams Lea’s values and their commitment to clients aligns perfectly with Intelligent Office’s vision. Over the last 20 years, Intelligent Office has built an attractive portfolio of office, administrative and secretarial support services to the legal sector, and joining the Williams Lea family combines complementary talent, expertise and culture from our two businesses which further strengthens the services we deliver to our collective clients and expands opportunities for all our employees. I am very much looking forward to integrating our operations and supporting clients in our EMEA region to revolutionize their support services.”

James Savage, partner at YFM, comments: “When we backed Intelligent Office in 2014, we knew that Rachel and her team were well placed to capitalise on a growing legal market. Since then, the business has broadened its product offering, supporting its clients through the pandemic and in the evolution of their working practices and more than doubled revenue and profits. We’re pleased to realise this strong return for our investors and think that Williams Lea is a great home for the business.”

Clare Hart, CEO Williams Lea, said: “This acquisition perfectly aligns to Williams Lea’s business growth strategy and strengthens our offerings in the UK legal market. Intelligent Office’s regional expertise and presence, added to our expanding global product and operational capabilities, solidifies our commitment to serving the global business services needs of our clients.”

Picture Shows: Rachel McCorry, CEO Intelligent Office and James Savage, Partner YFM