BDS aggregates, curates and delivers metadata relating to print and e-books, audiobooks, film, music and video games, predominantly for the UK library sector.
BDO advised the shareholders of BDS on the buy-out of a significant minority shareholder (40%) ultimately owned by a NYSE listed global data and information business.
The transaction was largely funded by a senior debt facility from Santander.
We engaged the M&A team at BDO to assist us with a share re-structuring and buy-back, which also involved raising finance to purchase the shares. The team, led by Rory McPherson, exceeded our expectations. They were professional, responsive, communicated well, and closed the deal in line with projections. They quickly understood our rather complex business, negotiated the sale of shares using sound valuation methods and prepared an impressive information memorandum for prospective lenders, which facilitated raising finance. They provided support at every stage of the process, allowing us to continue to run our business while the process was progressing. We recommend the M&A team at BDO to any business undertaking transactions of this nature.
Lesley Whyte, Managing Director and shareholder, BDS