Leeds-based Callcredit Information Group, which is backed by private equity firm GTCR, has acquired the Spanish Confirma group of companies — comprising Confirma Sistemas and Soluciones Confirma — which specialise in fraud prevention and anti-money laundering (AML) software solutions.
The acquisition sees Callcredit take a majority shareholding in the Madrid-headquartered business.
Callcredit entered the Spanish market in 2015 and has been developing its business and expansion plans.
Callcredit Spain will be headed by Juan Antonio Villegas, a veteran of the industry having served as a former director general of Experian and Trans Union España.
This is Callcredit’s third acquisition in less than 18 months, having bought customer experience specialist Numero in March 2016 and device fraud protection firm Recipero in September 2016.
Callcredit Information Group CEO Mike Gordon said: “There is a real momentum within the business at the moment.
“As a group we have a focused strategy and international expansion is a key component of this.
“Spain represents a significant opportunity for Callcredit and its future growth.
“The acquisition of Confirma and the appointment of Juan Antonio Villegas as an experienced country head gives us a firm presence in the market and brings a unique offering which complements our wider proposition.
“Confirma has an impressive roster of over 40 clients, including leading banks and consumer finance organisations.
“Callcredit Information Group is continuing to develop its fraud prevention and risk management capabilities and this acquisition complements our core proposition of delivering technology enabled data solutions.”
The Confirma group of companies has two primary lines of business: fraud risk solutions to consumer finance organisations, retailers and banks; and global anti-money laundering (AML) software solutions to entities regulated by the Spanish Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 10/2010.
As part of the acquisition, the entire Confirma team is expected to stay in place with the aim of growing the business.
Callcredit engaged BDO Spain as financial advisors and Écija as legal advisors on the transaction.
