Bluebox Corporate Finance Advises on the Sale of Express Solicitors Group to Ufenau Capital Partners

Bluebox Corporate Finance is delighted to announce the sale of the Express Solicitors Group, the UK’s leading personal injury law firm, to Ufenau Capital Partners AG (“Ufenau”), a Swiss-based private equity firm.  Whilst terms have not been disclosed, the leadership team has reinvested and remain fully committed to driving the continued growth and long-term success.

 

Founded in Manchester in 2000, the Express Solicitors Group (comprising Express Solicitors, Right Shield Insurance and Ontime Reports), is the leading personal injury law firm, offering a fully integrated service proposition to tens of thousands of clients. Through rapid organic expansion and strategic acquisitions, Express Solicitors has grown to a team of over 800 employees, is now ranked #64 in The Lawyer’s UK 200 ladder and generates revenues of c. £100m.

 

With significant investment and buy-and-build expertise, Ufenau will support the continued development of Express Solicitors while delivering best in class services to injured people.  Ufenau’s expertise in professional services and their vision for Express to become the UK’s pre-eminent consumer law platform made them stand out as an excellent partner for the business moving forward.

 

This deal represents a landmark acquisition in the legal services sector, with Ufenau joining a growing cohort of private equity investors deploying capital in the space. With resilient business models, strong margin profiles and a fragmented competitive landscape, consumer legal services represent a highly attractive consolidation opportunity for well-capitalised investors. We expect to see continued interest in this space from private equity and strategic acquirers alike in the coming years.

 

James Maxey, CEO of Express Solicitors commented: 

“Partnering with Ufenau marks a major milestone for Express Solicitors, and we are immensely grateful to Bluebox Corporate Finance for their exceptional guidance throughout the process. Their strategic insight, deep market knowledge, and hands-on approach were instrumental in identifying the right partner and structuring a deal that positions us perfectly for our next phase of expansion. Bluebox’s commitment and professionalism have been second to none.”

 

Daniel Slade, Co-owner of Express Solicitors and CEO Legal commented:

“This partnership with Ufenau marks an exciting new chapter for Express Solicitors, and we could not have reached this point without the outstanding support of Bluebox. They were true partners throughout, and their expertise was pivotal in securing a deal that positions the business for sustained growth and success.”

 

John Maxey, Investor in Right Shield and Partner at CVC Capital Partners added:

“This was a complex and important transaction for the shareholders and the business, and Bluebox’s expertise made all the difference. Their meticulous preparation, commercial acumen, technical supremacy and tireless dedication ensured we achieved an outstanding outcome with Ufenau. It has been a genuine pleasure working with a team that combines strategic thinking with an unwavering focus on delivering value for their clients.”

 

Jon Rich, Managing Director of Bluebox commented:

“We are delighted to have advised the shareholders on the sale to Ufenau. This transaction reflects Bluebox’s deep experience in managing shareholder-led sales and our ability to secure the right investor to support an ambitious buy-and-build growth strategy. It has been a privilege to work with such a talented management team, and we look forward to seeing Express Solicitors continue to go from strength to strength.”

 

Paul Herman, Founder and CEO of Bluebox added:

“The Bluebox team introduced the perfect partner for the Express Solicitors Group, while negotiating with aplomb to secure highly favourable terms for our clients, who had skilfully grown the business into the market leader it is today.

 

This deal, coming swiftly on the heels of another yet to be announced, marks a watershed moment in Bluebox’s history — enabling our exceptionally talented team to take full ownership of the firm, almost three years after completing our EOT. It’s immensely rewarding to see the Employee Ownership Trust structure run its course and deliver such a positive outcome.”


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