Creative Solutions (Manchester) Limited, t/a Polkadot Design and Print

KBS Corporate has advised on the acquisition of Creative Solutions (Manchester) Limited, a long-standing design and print business located next to the prestigious Media City development in Salford.

The company, which trades as Polkadot Design and Print, provides an extensive range of services, priding itself on producing a continually high standard of work and maintaining an excellent reputation within the sector. Polkadot was founded in 1999 by our clients, and was initially launched as a franchise under the Kall Kwik branding. In 2011, the company left the Kall Kwik franchise and rebranded itself as Polkadot Design and Print.

Having built up the business over the course of 18 years, our clients decided to offer Polkadot for sale to plan for retirement. In order to fulfil this, we contacted a number of potential buyers from within the design, print and media trade sectors. We also contacted some private equity and venture capital investors, to bring a diverse range of buyers to the table. As a result of this research strategy, 14 acquirers pledged an interest and signed NDAs to learn more about Polkadot.

The shareholders of Polkadot decided to choose Shilling Group to acquire their company. Shilling Group is a provider of support, finance and advisory services to companies seeking to grow by acquisition or engage in a company sale. Through its service brands, Shilling Support, Shilling Trading, Shilling Money, Shilling Mergers and Shilling Rescue, the Group is able to adhere to the requirements and fulfil the needs of clients in a range of situations, including immediate exits.

Through the Group’s brand, Shilling Trading, clients are able to engage in a quick exit from their business, selling the business to Shilling Group who will manage and incorporate the business into its ever-expanding portfolio. Having acquired many companies previously, and being continually on the lookout for other companies with strong growth potential, Shilling Group proved to be an excellent fit as the acquirer of Polkadot.

Sara Thomasson of KBS Corporate advised on the deal, and commented, “This was a highly successful deal in which the objectives of both parties were fulfilled. I enjoyed working with both Polkadot and Shilling Group, and I wish all involved the best in the future.”

Bruce Shepherd, of Polkadot, commented, “From our initial meeting with KBS, our subsequent journey was handled with real professionalism. Our business was marketed really well, and made us feel really proud of what we had already achieved. A buyer was found, and an outline agreement followed fairly quickly, along with the subsequent paperwork and due diligence.

“Sara was outstanding, and her attention to detail was so impressive. It was all quite daunting at first, but I received a good deal of helpful advice from Sara all the way through the project. Sara worked hard to keep the sales process on track, and her endeavours resulted in a signed and completed deal a few months later.

“I remain hugely impressed with Sara and the team at KBS, and would recommend them to any prospective business owner looking to place their business on the market.”