Fusion Corporate Partners

ULS Technology plc, a provider of online B2B platforms for the UK conveyancing and financial intermediary markets, has acquired Legal Eye Limited from Jaunita Gobby for an initial cash consideration of £1.1m, in addition to an agreed earn out, payable in cash, equal to two times EBITDA for the full years ending 31 March 2016 and 31 March 2017 respectively. ULS Technology expects the total consideration to be significantly below the maximum total consideration of £4.4m.

Legal Eye provides risk management and compliance consultancy services to the legal, financial and property sectors to ensure their clients comply with the regulatory framework in which they operate. 

Legal Eye Ltd was founded in May 2009 by Jaunita Gobby, who will maintain her day-to-day involvement in the business. LEL has been contracted by approximately 350 firms since May 2009 and has approximately 130 active clients, principally solicitors’, today.

The majority of LEL’s clients are on annual contracts, providing a high level of forward revenue visibility. For the 12 months ended 31 March 2014, LEL reported revenue growth of 54% to £563,729 and Profit Before Tax growth of 38% to £149,138 over the comparable period the previous year. As of 30 March 2014, Legal Eye had cash at bank of £317,776 and Net Assets of £238,108. There are no wholly owned premises or property leases.

Nigel Hoath, Chief Executive Officer, said, “As outlined at the time of its IPO, ULS has a clear strategy for growth in the UK, comprising both organic growth and acquisitions. The acquisition of Legal Eye is a very positive move for the Group and will help us accelerate our growth as Legal Eye has already earned a strong reputation in its sector. However, we believe there is a significant opportunity to accelerate its growth and we are excited about how we can help achieve this as part of the Group. ULS’ existing business will also benefit from the acquisition of Legal Eye by enabling us to place a stronger emphasis on quality and risk management as a central element of our eConveyancing value proposition.

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