Thinkprint UK transfers to an Employee Ownership Trust

• Thinkprint is a provider of outsourced print management and marketing data procurement services
• The company’s founder was looking to partially exit the business whilst giving its employees a voice in the future of the business
• Shawbrook arranged a solution that fast-tracked the transition and supported the client’s technology expansion plans

Founded in 1996 by Ian Thomson with an initial focus on Point-of-Sale (POS) marketing, Thinkprint UK is a provider of outsourced print management and marketing data procurement services.

Based in Northwich, Thinkprint offer high quality printing and POS marketing services at a competitive price, counting leading UK brands such as Puregym, Screwfix and William Hill amongst its customer-base. Specialising initially in print services, the firm has diversified the business, now offering fulfilment and logistics services, branded environments, as well as artwork and campaign management services through its third-party supplier relationships.

With founder Ian Thomson looking to partially step-away from the business, Shawbrook has provided a flexible senior debt solution incorporating a commercial loan and a commercial confidential invoice discounting line to efficiently support the transfer of Thinkprint to an EOT. The transaction will see the sale of 100% of the share capital to the EOT, allowing Thomson to partially exit the business and transition to the role of Chairman. Paul Robinson will retain his position as Managing Director of Thinkprint following the transaction.

The transition of the firm to an EOT and package provided by Shawbrook will also help to further the business’ ambitions of expanding its competitive offering through technology, while distributing wealth into the local community, and giving employees a voice on its sustainable growth.

Shawbrook would also like to thank Rick Payne at Bennett Brooks for his involvement with the financial due diligence, and Aaron & Partners and Gunner Cooke for providing legal counsel and Courtus Advisory Group.

Paul Robinson, Managing Director of Thinkprint UK, said:

“The Shawbrook team acted quickly and efficiently to help with the EOT process, which was exactly what we needed. We had extensive discussions with them before the transaction and were impressed with their willingness to support Thinkprint on this exciting journey.

“Our industry holds great potential for expansion, and we are determined to achieve growth through Shawbrook's assistance. As an organization that is employee-owned, our staff now possesses a direct interest in our success, and we are confident this will motivate them to work diligently and intelligently to ensure optimal client support. We firmly believe that this ownership model represents a natural progression for our business and will result in a more engaged and driven workforce, leading to superior client outcomes.”

Daniel Martin, Senior Director at Shawbrook, said:

“Thinkprint is a prime example of a long-running UK business which is continuing to innovate in its respective sector. We have been highly impressed with the firm’s growth trajectory over the past few years, and its ambitions to diversify and expand into other areas – which is why we were eager to support Ian and Paul in this transaction. We wish the Thinkprint team all the best for the future.”