Access appoints top technology CFO to fast track M&A plans

Colchester, UK - 15 September 2011 - Access, the mid-market business and accounting solutions provider, has appointed Adam Brown as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). The move is part of plans to fast track Access' business strategy, including the extension of its product portfolio, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A), following a £50m management buyout deal with growth investor Lyceum Capital earlier this year.

A chartered accountant with the ICAEW, Adam has more than 15 years' experience in the technology sector. He has previously held CFO roles in a number of top companies such as Avid Technology, video and editing software specialist to the worldwide broadcasting industry, Sibelius Software, developers of music software used by professional musicians, teachers and students, and Workshare, the defacto document comparison software provider for the legal sector.

"Access is a business with huge potential for growth due to their strong multi-product proposition and mid-market expertise," said Adam. "The fact that they're increasingly winning more business from well-known competitors is not only down to product knowledge but also the team's intricate understanding of a customer's business. It's a formidable combination of right product, right people, and right solution.

"This was one of the reasons I was attracted to Access; I'm a firm believer that our customers' success will invariably lead to our own success. Investing in commercially viable areas that bring true value to the customer will have a positive impact on the bottom line and drive profits as a result. I'm definitely looking forward to working with the team to move the business to the next level."

Adam has a strong track record of increasing revenues, margins, and profits, helping to grow UK market share for fuel card provider Harpur by 40% through acquisition and organic growth, and increase annual gross margin for Avid by $5m, including the consolidation and integration of its audio and video divisions across Europe. He played a central role in increasing revenues for Workshare from $1m to $15m in just two years. In addition, Adam has managed the integration of four acquisitions that have led to a payback period of less than 12 months on the acquisition price.  He has also successfully completed exits for Sibelius in 2006 and Harpur in 1998, the latter achieving 12 times EBITDA.

Chris Bayne, CEO for Access, commented, "Adam has extensive experience in the tech sector, particularly in high growth companies, integrating and streamlining business processes, and leading private equity and M&A transactions. His business ethos and holistic approach is the perfect fit for Access too.

"Adam is very passionate about the customer and will be working with our clients, demonstrating how we are using our own solutions and focusing on continuous improvement. He will be a valuable addition to the team and we all look forward to working with him."

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