GCP back buyout of Chaucer Group Limited

London – Feb 2014 – Growth Capital Partners (GCP), the provider of blended equity and debt to the UK’s small to medium sized businesses, has financed the management buy-out of Chaucer, an international change management consultancy business. Chaucer operates principally for large, multinational clients in a range of sectors. GCP’s investment will fund the further expansion of the business as it looks to grow its domestic and international operations.

Founded in 1987 by the current chairman Bob Laslett, Chaucer is an independent global management consultancy, providing tailored, hands-on and flexible support to clients in the delivery of strategic business projects and programmes. It has an impressive client list of international organisations including many Fortune 500 companies. Current CEO Chris Laslett will continue to lead the business along with the existing management team who are also investing in the buy-out. Bob Laslett will step down as chairman but will continue with Chaucer as a strategic adviser. New Chairman John Bateson brings valuable experience and industry knowledge to Chaucer. He was previously the CEO of SHL Group, a global psychometric testing business and prior to that was on the group executive committee of Cap Gemini.

Simon Jobson, partner at GCP, commented:

“Chaucer has a superb track record of delivering results on substantial projects on behalf of major global clients. We are delighted to be investing in the buy-out alongside Chris Laslett and his team who we believe are well placed to grow the business both in the UK and the US.

Bob Laslett, Co-founder of Chaucer said:

“I am delighted that GCP has become a major investor in the business and, in partnership with the strong and talented management team, I know the company will go from strength to strength. Chaucer has an excellent reputation in the marketplace and the added support of GCP will ensure the business continues to develop and flourish.”

Chris Laslett, CEO of Chaucer said:

“Chaucer is at a very exciting stage in its development and we are really pleased to have GCP involved to help us take the business forward. GCP has a great reputation for enabling companies to achieve their potential and we look forward to working with them towards building our team, increasing our customer base and expanding internationally.”