International M&A specialist BCMS Corporate has overseen the sale of parking enforcement software provider Spur Information Solutions Limited to Affiliated Computer Services (ACS) A Xerox Company.
Spur Information Solutions (Spur), is one of the United Kingdom’s leading providers of computer software used for parking enforcement. The acquisition strengthens ACS’ broad portfolio of services that support the transportation industry.
“The acquisition of Spur complements our business by giving us the ability to sell affordable, highly adaptable parking services that better meet the needs of all size cities across the globe,” said Dave Amoriell, group president, Transportation Solutions Group, a division of ACS.
Spur’s core software helps local governments implement, manage and enforce local parking codes across a municipality. This includes processing parking notices and permits to collecting evidence of violations via handheld devices. Parking enforcement officers are able to wirelessly transmit information including GPScoordinates and digital images of license plates as well as access real-time data to ensure fast and accurate enforcement.
“As part of ACS, we’ll now be able to expand globally and broaden our services so that municipalities of all sizes can focus on providing the key services that their citizens expect,” said David Mitchell, director of operations, Spur Information Solutions.
Spur will build on ACS’ existing transportation business in Europe, which includes parking management of off-street payment systems for lots and garages. The company’s extensive municipal customer base coupled with Spur’s focus on on-street parking enforcement will enable ACSto grow in Europeas well as globally.
ACSis the largest provider of transportation technology services worldwide, including parking, tolling, mass transit and photo enforcement services supporting governments in 30 countries. ACShas successfully implemented, managed, and operated parking systems for more than 25 cities in the U.S.The company’s Transportation Solutions Group enables its clients to address traffic safety and congestion challenges by deploying technology that advances the movement of goods and services as well as millions of people every day.
Founded in the early 1990s in Havant by managing director Malcolm Snowdon and his family, Spur’s products – Si-Dem and Si-Log– are used extensively up and down the country by the likes of Transport for London, Nottinghamand Portsmouth City Councils as well as the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Trust to provide ticket permit management. More recently, the company has used its expertise to diversify into areas like truancy infringements.
Recently, the principal shareholders of Spur Information Solutions expressed a desire to pursue other interests and turned to BCMS Corporate to identify a suitable buyer. Under the terms of the agreement, which was completed earlier this month, all of the shareholders have exited the Hampshire firm with immediate effect.
Says Hugh Ashburner, deal leader at BCMS Corporate: “We’re thrilled to have created the perfect package for Malcolm Snowdon and the other shareholders to exit Spur Information Solutions having fully realised the value of the business they have spent so many years building.”
Adds Malcolm Snowdon, managing director of Spur Information Solutions: "After nearly 20 years running the business, the other shareholders and I recently made the decision to pursue other interests. However, before we sold, we wanted to make sure it was in capable hands and I am confident that in ACSInc, Spur Information Solutions will continue to lead the way in its field.”
