Building world class consulting expertise

Overview

Alpha’s unique culture has been a major factor in attracting and retaining highly qualified, experienced staff. Following our involvement in a management buyout, we supported the growth of the company’s expertise, including significant expansion of the team of consultants in the UK and overseas.

The opportunity

We could see how building a high-calibre team had been central to Alpha’s growth. We sourced and screened candidates for the Financial Director position, and found a highly experienced individual who fitted well into the team and could take the business through the next stage of growth.

When Alpha wanted to set up an office in Singapore, we helped by bringing in one of our other investee companies with specific expertise in the region. We also helped the business set up another office in the Far East.

Working alongside Alpha generally, we have introduced a number of potential clients, and sourced and reviewed a series of potential acquisitions.

Working together

Before the buyout took place, we knew our two businesses would work well together, as one of our partners, Mark Ligertwood, already had an existing relationship with Alpha’s CEO, Euan Fraser. This strong relationship  continued, and a deep trust between our two companies meant we could always work through challenges collaboratively and productively.

We have been as protective of the distinctive culture at Alpha as the management team. We have developed an open, trusting and supportive relationship.

Looking ahead

Alpha has grown rapidly to become global market leader, with over 200 consultants working in seven major financial centres (London, Paris, New York, Boston, Singapore, The Hague and Luxembourg). The firm works on behalf of more than 130 asset and wealth-management clients, and currently advises three quarters of the top-50 global asset managers. Its profits increased from £2.3m in 2013 to more than £8m in 2016.

This impressive growth enabled us, in October 2017, to list Alpha on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. The admission raised £125.4m at a placing price of 160p per share, resulting in a market capitalisation of £163m. This meant we could exit the business fully, generating a strong return for investors after just 19 months, and an internal rate of return of 55%.

Alpha's upward trend is expected to continue, with further geographic and sector expansion, and vigorous client activity.