DCSL completes transformational acquisition of GuideSmiths

Queen’s Park Equity (“QPE”) is delighted to announce that DCSL has acquired GuideSmiths Limited in a deal that cements the group’s position as the UK’s leading software development and digital transformation company. The acquisition enables DCSL to offer an enhanced range of capabilities to clients, doubles the workforce and expands the Group internationally. The business will rebrand as DCSL GuideSmiths.

DCSL, the multi-award-winning software development and digital transformation specialist, has doubled to a team to more than 250 across six locations in the UK and Europe and has a combined turnover of over £20m. The business, which delivered 40 per cent revenue growth in 2020 under the continued leadership of CEO Nick Thompson, has further ambitious plans for both strong organic and acquisitive growth. GuideSmiths Managing Director, Mike Newall, will support business growth objectives in his new role as Commercial Director of the Group.

The business’s offering has expanded through an enhanced skillset with capabilities now ranging from large scale digital transformation, team augmentation, delivery of discrete Agile projects and creating world class bespoke software using complementary tech including, but not limited to, Microsoft .NET, Power BI, React and Node JS. The company’s capabilities also include DevOps proficiency and deployment on Azure and AWS.

Nick Thompson, CEO of DCSL GuideSmiths said: “This acquisition and rebranding represents a step change for DCSL and I am hugely proud of the growth we have achieved in recent years. The skillsets and specialisms housed in DCSL and GuideSmiths perfectly complement each other and bringing two businesses together expands our capabilities and offering to our customers. We are truly excited about the next chapter in our history and look forward to delivering more success to our new and existing clients.”

GuideSmiths Co-Founders Glenn O’Grady and Felipe Polo Ruiz will continue in NED roles to support the strengthened business. O’Grady said: “We are pleased to have found such a perfect synergy with DCSL and believe that the proposition via extended service capabilities gives DCSL GuideSmiths a strong platform in the market with great scope for the team and clients.”

Kajen Mohanadas of QPE commented: “The acquisition of GuideSmiths by DCSL is a perfect pairing and integration of software skills, professionalism and team-based culture, creating a company with an impressive international footprint and much broadened capabilities as exhibited by its strong customer base. We are pleased to be supporting the group’s ongoing investment and organic growth.”

Further information can be found at www.qpequity.com and www.dcsl.com