A Lake District technology company has been acquired by “forever invested” software group, Volaris.
Alertacall was founded in 2004 in Windermere by James Batchelor MBE, providing customer engagement and communications technology to the social housing and retirement sectors.
It’s now used in more than 25,000 homes across the country.
“After more than 21 years of growing Alertacall, which started with my invention of the ‘I’m okay button’ for my grandmother Eveline – we are all incredibly proud to have built something that delivers such an amazing impact and with so many people,” said founder and CEO Batchelor.
“But with such huge opportunities to serve more customers, it felt obvious that now was the right time to become part of a bigger and stronger structure. This move creates assurance that we can thrive for decades to come and creates many opportunities for our team members to grow, which otherwise would have taken many years to realise. Having had many dozens of approaches from possible acquirers for Alertacall over the years, we felt this is the long-term home that will help us protect and nourish the very best of who we are.”
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Volaris Group, which is part of Constellation Software Inc, calls itself “forever invested” stating that after completing hundreds of acquisitions, it has never sold a business.
“Alertacall really is a one-of-a-kind venture,” said Andrew Humphrey, Volaris Group Portfolio Manager for the UK and Ireland.
“It invents socially positive new technologies and its team are some of the most passionate people we’ve ever come across in business who are genuinely committed to leaving the world a better place. It has also grown substantially whilst operating in extremely risk-averse markets. Achieving both these things at the same time takes something really very special. We’re all thrilled to be able to support the Alertacall team in the next phase of their journey.”
Alertacall will continue to operate as an independent business under its current leadership team.
It was advised on the deal by Logros Advisory Partners, with legal support provided by Muckle.
“It was a pleasure to work with James and his team. Under James’s inspired leadership, Alertacall has become a pioneer in its sector. At the same time creating a highly successful business, built upon a strong moral purpose and a culture focused on delivering measurable improvements to people’s standard of living,” said Nick Horrocks, Corporate Finance Partner at Logros Advisory Partners.
