Corporate Finance Deal - uCheck | 7 Apr 2022 | Insights

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Bishop Fleming has advised on the sale of uCheck, the largest DBS umbrella body in the UK, to The Citation Group.

Formed in 2002 by Mike and Julie Griffiths, uCheck is one of the largest providers of DBS checking services in the UK and gives The Citation Group a scalable platform to compete in the rapidly growing screening and verification market.

uCheck’s services are underpinned by cloud-based, intuitive software that offers multiple API options to integrate with numerous HR systems.

This is another key step in The Citation Group’s strategic growth plan, as it looks to strengthen its position as a market leader across the compliance, HR, and health and safety sectors, as well as expanding its offering of quality-related services.

“Joining The Citation Group is the perfect next step in the development of uCheck. My parents established the business 20 years ago, which I have been proudly leading since 2018. I am delighted that, in the Citation Group, we have secured an owner that shares the same values and culture as uCheck.

I would like to extend my thanks to Bishop Fleming who expertly led the process from start to finish. Their guidance proved invaluable throughout the entire process, and my parents and I are delighted with the outcome. I cannot recommend Bishop Fleming enough.”

George Griffiths, Managing Director, uCheck

uCheck is recognised by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) as a top Responsible Organisation for Basic Checks and a Registered Umbrella Body for Standard and Enhanced Checks. Alongside DBS checking services, uCheck also provide clients with other screening services such as Right to Work, Identity and Adverse Credit checks.

Bishop Fleming’s Restructuring Team provided advice and support during the sale process as part of the planning for the subsequent solvent liquidation of the parent company. Luke Venner and Malcolm Rhodes were duly appointed Joint Liquidators on the 8 April 2022. The solvent liquidation process ensures that the sale proceeds are returned to the shareholders as tax efficiently as possible, whilst securing an orderly and structured winding down of the company