Product Partnership Ltd acquires Think Compliance
Retail compliance expert Product Partnerships Ltd (PPL) has bought a majority stake in Think Compliance, a specialist consultancy which provides compliance support and Regulatory Data Reporting services to Consumer Credit and Claims Management regulated firms across the UK.
Rebecca Wilson, shareholder of Leeds-based Think Compliance, was advised on the acquisition by Yorkshire-based commercial law firm Schofield Sweeney.
The new partnership will broaden and strengthen the compliance support available to regulated businesses across the UK, with Harrogate-based Think Compliance adding deep, relationship-led consultancy and Regulatory Data Reporting experience, and PPL bringing wider authorisation support and a platform-enabled approach to oversight and training.
The deal builds on PPL’s recent momentum and reflects continued investment in expanding the group’s consultancy capability alongside practical, platform-enabled support for clients.
Think Compliance clients will benefit from continuity and added capability – continuing working with the advisers they know but with access to a broader team and expanded services through PPL, while PPL clients benefit from the additional depth and expertise Think Compliance brings.
Phillip Garlick, CEO at Product Partnerships, said: “This marks another major milestone in PPL’s evolution, strengthening our consultancy-focused capability while turbo-charging efficiency through our technology platform, Artemis. Since our Management Buyout in February, backed by TDC, Arete Capital, and Seneca Partners, we’ve seen significant growth in our client base, fuelled not only by developing existing talent but also by attracting exceptional new talent from across the sector.
“Think Compliance Limited was built on rock-solid foundations, led by Managing Director Rebecca Wilson. Also joining the Think Compliance Board will be highly respected industry veteran Ian Beardmore, who also serves as COO of the Association of Professional Compliance Consultants (APCC). Their credibility, experience, and vision make this an incredibly powerful addition to the PPL family. I’d also like to personally thank Simon Lord, Joint Managing Partner at Arete Capital, as well as the team at TDC, and the Board for their invaluable support throughout this acquisition.”
Rebecca Wilson, Managing Director at Think Compliance, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that this strategic move marks an exciting new chapter, ensuring continued growth, in partnering with PPL our clients will have access to greater resources and opportunities to ensure their business continues to remain compliant whilst ensuring the continuity of the relationships that they enjoy with our team. I am deeply grateful to our team for their continued support throughout our journey and we are looking forward to becoming part of a larger community to support the development of our client propositions.”
Schofield Sweeney acted for Rebecca Wilson, of Think Compliance and the transaction was supported by a multidisciplinary team at Schofield Sweeney, including specialists from Corporate, Tax, Employment and Commercial.
Commenting on the deal, Ben Stephens, Solicitor in Schofield Sweeney’s Corporate team, said: “It was a pleasure to work on this deal and to bring together two companies with such complementary strengths. With the deal structured as a partial buyout, and our client retaining a 20% interest, it was a complex transaction that we have helped restructure, demonstrating the depth of expertise the firm offers.”
The partnership reflects PPL’s wider focus on making regulatory oversight simpler and more practical for firms, combining specialist advice with technology and training that support consistent compliance as businesses grow.
Image caption (above): L-R Rebecca Wilson, Director, Think Compliance, Phillip Garlick, CEO, Product Partnerships Limited, Ian Beardmore, Director, Think Compliance