SMP Group, which provides a range of fund services globally, has announced a management buyout, as part of a planned leadership succession process, backed by Palatine Private Equity. The MBO is subject to regulatory approval.
The corporate, trust, and professional services provider was created in 2007 through a management buyout from Fortis Intertrust. It now has 200 staff spanning seven global offices including one in the Cayman Islands.
During 2018, a plan was established to ensure continuity for the business, its employees, and clients. The culmination of that plan is a secondary MBO and the appointment of a new group CEO, David Hudson, the company’s business development director who has been on the board since 2011.
Other additions to the group board following regulatory approval include Anne Baggesen, Ian Begley, Daniel Cadamy and Ted Pepper. Steve McGowan will remain as a non-executive Director and Stephen Turner continues as CEO of the Caribbean Region, who along with David represent continuity from the previous generation.
Hudson said: “This next step in the story of SMP is about two things: continuity and opportunity. In the many areas in which we excel, our clients, employees, and suppliers can expect continuity from board members who have been pivotal to our past successes. In the areas where we can still break new ground, we will continue to create and seize opportunities with the professional energy and creativity for which we have long been known.
“The backing we have secured gives us the opportunity to further invest in our people, culture and brand and will facilitate a more aggressive growth strategy that harnesses the inherent skills and capabilities of our highly talented team.”
Steve McGowan, group chairman, commented: “We have built a business we can be extremely proud of, so I am beyond pleased to see it pass to talented leaders within the company who have been with us for a significant part of our journey. This will allow SMP to retain its distinctive character and offering in the marketplace. David is the ideal person to keep us moving along our unique path of success; we couldn’t be leaving the business in better hands.”
SMP Group, Palatine Private Equity, MBO, David Hudson, Cayman Islands,
