Connect Corporate Finance supports Seaspace International Forwarders in its strategic investment from Emerge Global.
Established in 1988, Seaspace has grown from an Ocean Freight Forwarder to an end-to-end logistics company, offering multimodal forwarding services in addition to value added services, such as customs clearance, inventory management and fulfilment services.
Located in proximity of London Gatwick Airport, Seaspace employs 18 members of staff and is a member of the British International Freight Association (BIFA), International Federation of Freight Forwarders Association (FIATA), International Air Transport Association (IATA) and has Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status.
Merseyside-based Emerge Ecommerce Limited, who completed the investment into Seaspace, has plans to grow the current revenue streams, as well as developing new services to existing and new customers. Seaspace’s position and reputation in the air freight and sea freight forwarding market is seen as a key addition to the Emerge group’s forwarding capability.
Richard Harris & Mark Bigley, Co-Founders of Emerge Global, said:
“It is exciting to see the plan we set in motion three years ago being realised, enabling SMEs to move anything from anywhere around the world. Seaspace is a key piece of the jigsaw, extending our air and sea freight capability and firming up our e-commerce and retail B2B fulfilment proposition. Our shareholders are very supportive of the shared vision we have for the business, and we have already embarked on a technology deployment that will enable us to increase capacity, with a view to achieving the next stage of growth.”
Gordon Humphrey & Stuart Smith, shareholders of Seaspace, said:
“The deal and alignment with the Emerge Group is a significant boost for Seaspace International. As a family firm the Directors and senior managers have carved a highly successful international forwarding and fulfilment business during the past 30 years. With the latter department growing exponentially in recent years, the need for expertise, investment and robust support was recognised, if Seaspace were to ride and stay on the crest of the wave. So, with that, the shareholders approached Connect Corporate Finance, to source suitable investors and partners. David's experience, knowledge and insight were invaluable, not only in finding the perfect match, but also in guiding the Seaspace shareholders through the acquisition maze, to a successful conclusion.”
David Roberts, Director, Head of Freight transactions at Connect Corporate Finance, said:
Working with the shareholders of Seaspace to find strategic investors has been a fulfilling endeavour. As a second-generation business with a fantastic reputation locally and overseas, it was important we found a suitor that shared the understanding of how important the staff were to the ongoing concern, coupled with the scope the business has going forward. The opportunity for the current owners to take a step back, whilst benefitting from the innovative plans Emerge Global has, was what excited Stuart and Gordon and it was agreed that with continued investment, Seaspace enters its next chapter with strong potential for further development.
Rebecca Glazebrook, Partner, Corporate Team at PDT Solicitors LLP, said:
“Seaspace have been a long-standing client of PDT and we were delighted to have advised Stuart and Gordon on the investment by Emerge Global. Stuart and Gordon continue as shareholders and directors of Seaspace lending their knowledge and experience to the ongoing business. We wish Stuart, Gordon and Emerge Global every success in the future.”
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