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Endeavour advises on Exis handover

Posted by Lotty Reeves on 18th June 2014

The owners of Darlington-based Exis Technologies have handed the business over to the next generation of leaders as it enters a new phase of growth.

Exis is a leading supplier of computerised systems for the management of dangerous goods in sea transport and is behind the global Hazcheck brand.

The company has more than 25 years’ experience of supporting major shipping lines, distributors, warehouse operators, ports, terminals, government and regulatory organisations worldwide. Sixteen of the world’s top 20 container ship operators are customers.

Now owners Ken Burgess and David Hallam are handing the business over to James Douglas, sales director, Shirley Morton, technical director, and William Bartle, operations director, as part of carefully considered succession plans as the company enters a new phase of growth. They head a team of expert programmers and support staff which have won a worldwide reputation for the quality of their software.

Nik Tunley (partner) and Fiona Gibbon (associate) provided legal support for the team. Nik Tunley comments: “We have worked with Exis for a number of years, looking after all of the company’s legal matters. We were delighted to be able to continue our support through this transaction, which sees Exis in safe hands for the next stage in the company’s growth plans.”

The smooth transition for the company, which was originally part of Whessoe Technical Computing and was subject to a management buyout in 1992, was aided by accountants and business advisers Clive Owen & Co LLP.

James Douglas said: “Exis is a knowledge business and its most important assets are its people. Everyone here recognises that, so succession planning is integral to our ongoing strategy. We are growing quickly and have a number of exciting projects that will generate further growth in the future. We are now well placed to capitalise on a range of opportunities, and will be actively looking to expand the team as we drive new market share.”

Ben Williamson, associate director of corporate finance at Clive Owen & Co LLP, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with all the stakeholders in the transaction and find a funding solution that enables the smoothest possible transfer of ownership. A quick and efficient process ensures that the goodwill of the company remains intact during the transition, and reduces any impact on the day-to-day running of the business.”

NatWest’s Keith Barnes, relationship director, supported the transaction with new lending facilities and said: “This is the second time NatWest has enabled owners at Exis to bring the next generation through. We have structured a deal which provides the business with flexibility for the future, ensuring it can continue to grow for many years to come.”


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