Trillium Partners Advises Electric Word In Acquisition Of Hr System Provider Ikonami Ltd, Marking Expansion Of Healthcare Sector

Trillium Partners Limited (Trillium), the independent corporate finance advisory firm, has advised Electric Word plc (Electric Word), the AIM-listed specialist information publisher, in the acquisition of Ikonami Ltd, a leading provider of software for the management of appraisals, training and professional development within the NHS. The transaction was completed on 15th April, 2011.

Electric Word acquired 100% of the shares of Ikonami Ltd for an initial cash payment of £151,250 and a deferred cash payment based on profit performance for the year to November 2013 up to a maximum total consideration, including the initial consideration, of £2.2m. Ikonami will be rebranded Radcliffe Solutions and will complement the professional development books, journals and training that Electric Word acquired with Radcliffe Publishing Ltd in November 2010.

Trillium specialises in M&A, financial restructuring and fund raising transactions and corporate finance advice.  The firm has a core expertise in information products and digital media, providing support for clients as they undertake transactions to position themselves for sustainable future growth and profitability.

Trillium advised Electric Word on all aspects of the acquisition. In particular, Trillium: (a) facilitated and conducted bilateral and multi-party negotiations with various stakeholders including Electric Word, Ikonami Ltd and their advisers; (b) co-ordinated the acquisition process and communicated with Electric Word’s other advisers, as well as with Ikonami and their advisers; and (c) assisted Electric Word with modelling and valuation, and helped to explore transaction structuring and funding options.

Julian Turner, Electric Word CEO, commented:
“I am delighted that Electric Word will be extending its services for the Healthcare sector with this exciting acquisition. Ikonami has an excellent reputation for its software within the NHS, a strong market position and an outstanding opportunity to grow in a fast-changing environment in which effective people management, training and compliance will be increasingly important within the new health service structures. As information and workflow tools become more integrated and Electric Word’s services become more digital this acquisition gives us an excellent platform for future organic growth and allows us to extend the Radcliffe brand so soon after its own acquisition.”

Philip Mastriforte of Trillium added:
“Electric Word is an ambitious company looking significantly to grow its presence in a constantly evolving marketplace. We are pleased that Trillium has had the opportunity to assist Electric Word in an important transaction for the Group.”

About Trillium Partners
Trillium Partners is an independent mid-market firm that advises listed companies, private firms and financial sponsors on M&A and Private Capital raising transactions valued at £20 million to £500 million in the B2B Information Services and Events, Consumer Media, Learning and Development, and Marketing Services.

Over the last 30 years, we have advised our clients on a comprehensive array of transactions in the UK, Europe, USA and Asia, with an aggregate value in excess of £10 billion. Underpinned by deep sector knowledge and insight, our expertise extends from private acquisitions and disposals to public offers and raising capital from the private equity, family office, banking and alternative finance communities for working capital, business development, acquisitions and buy-outs.


For more information regarding this transaction, please contact Stephen Routledge or Philip Mastriforte on +44 (0)20 3008 8375