Sale of SRA compliance business strengthens legal arm of UK listed company

Flint Bishop has advised the shareholders of Compliance Office on their sale to listed firm Marlowe plc, one of the UK’s leaders in business-critical services and software assuring safety and regulatory compliance, whilst managing risk for businesses.

Founded by Andy Donovan in 2014, Compliance Office has evolved into one of the leading SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) compliance consultancy services in the UK. The company now has a dedicated team of specialist consultants supporting over 100 law firms with their compliance and SRA authorisation and boasts a 100% customer renewal rate.

The deal will see Compliance Office operating closely with compliance technology company VinciWorks, which was bought by Marlowe in 2021, to develop new creative and dynamic compliance offerings.

Andy described bringing these two brands together as the “natural next step. With both VinciWorks and Compliance Office already serving a great section of the UK legal sector, this partnership will allow both companies to complement each other perfectly.”

Martyn said: “It was a pleasure to support and advise the shareholders on this successful sale. The technological knowledge of Marlowe and VinciWorks and the compliance expertise of Compliance Office will be a powerful combination and I wish them all the very best in their strategic partnership going forwards.” 

Commenting on the sale process, Andy said:

“I have been very impressed with Martyn and his team. They have been a vital partner to us in making this deal happen. Martyn possesses a rare combination of skill, both for detail and the bigger picture.

“It’s been invaluable to us in making sure the deal completed without compromising on the need to protect our position. I have no doubt we will work with Martyn again and would not hesitate to recommend him to others looking to sell their business.”