Bestport Private Equity have become ‘majority shareholders’ of Northern Ireland-based online digital printing platform business Northside Graphics.
Aided by managing director Richard Campbell, consultants and non-executive directors Gary and Neil White have transformed Northside’s business to focus on online digital printing since 2010, operating four ‘upload and print’ websites in the UK and Ireland.
Bestport’s investment aims to help Northside accelerate its UK and Ireland development plans through a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisitions.
Mr Campbell said, ‘Our business has achieved exceptional growth and success in recent years, and we have every confidence that this will continue going forward with Bestport as our majority shareholder.
‘Bestport’s investment paves the way for further expansion and investment across all areas of the business, ensuring that our customers continue to benefit from exceptional quality, service, the fastest turnaround times and an even greater range of innovative products.’
Former Astron CEO David Mitchell will assume the chairman role on the board of Northside. With experience as a chairman in print and document management businesses M2 digital, Euro Druck Services and Perigord, Mr Mitchell will also sit as a board director with private-equity-backed, health care packaging company RDI.
Gary and Neil White will remain as consultants and non-executive directors within the Northside business, with Richard Campbell continuing as managing director.
James Stoddart, managing partner at Bestport on the reason for Besport’s investment, explained, ‘The demanding nature of the B2B market means dynamic businesses like Northside are well positioned to scale – especially given the fantastic business that Gary and Neil White have built, which puts the customer at the forefront of all they do.
‘We’re delighted to partner with the Northside team as they continue their impressive run of growth and expand the business across the UK and Ireland.’
