Palladium Equity-Backed Envoy Global Acquires London-based Smith Stone Walters
–Combination Expands Envoy’s Corporate Immigration Service Offerings in the UK;
Adds Smith Stone Walter’s Offices in Hong Kong, Frankfurt and Mumbai–
–Expansion Strategy Further Strengthened by Envoy’s 2023 Acquisition of Sesam Immigration in the UAE
and Recent Expansion of Services into the Netherlands, France, and Spain–
CHICAGO and LONDON, Nov. 13, 2024 — Envoy Global, a leading tech-enabled global corporate immigration services provider backed by Palladium Equity Partners, today announced that it has acquired Smith Stone Walters, a global immigration practice based in London. The announcement cements Envoy Global’s leadership in delivering best-in-class services and a better way for companies to manage their global immigration programs.
Established in 2001, Smith Stone Walters has built a global reputation for excellent service, responsiveness, and immigration expertise with its high-quality, long-tenured clients. Smith Stone Walters will join the Envoy Global platform and significantly expand Envoy’s presence in Europe and Asia-Pacific. Palladium, a middle market private equity firm, first invested in Envoy Global in 2021.
In addition to gaining a significantly enhanced presence in the UK, the transaction enables Envoy Global to further expand its operations through Smith Stone Walter’s offices in Hong Kong, Frankfurt and Mumbai, further positioning Envoy Global to capitalize on growth opportunities in Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Smith Stone Walters represents Envoy’s latest growth initiative. In 2023, Envoy acquired Sesam Immigration in the UAE and recently expanded operations into the Netherlands, France, and Spain.
Richard Burke, President and CEO at Envoy Global said, “The UK is a key market for us. Smith Stone Walters’ strong market presence, illustrious brand and deep immigration expertise align with Envoy Global’s vision for global expansion and our commitment to provide a better way for companies to manage global immigration.”
Envoy Global said that Smith Stone Walters’ founders, James Walters, Gary Smith and David Hugkulstone, will each remain with the business.
Alex Funk, Partner at Palladium, said, “Smith Stone Walters is an important step in Envoy Global’s growth strategy. The Company’s market leading immigration services are mission critical to companies and empower people to work anywhere in the world.”
Daniel Ilundain, President at Palladium, added, “The acquisition of Smith Stone Walters serves as an excellent example of how Palladium accelerates value creation and drives businesses to the next level. Over the past three years, Envoy Global has expanded internationally as a trusted partner to its clients.”
James Walters, Co-Founder and Director at Smith Stone Walters, added, “Envoy Global has an exceptional track record of innovation and customer success, and we are thrilled to be joining forces with them. Together, we will be able to deliver even greater value to our clients, while expanding our global service capabilities.”
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
About Envoy Global
Envoy Global is the leading corporate immigration services provider committed to delivering a better way for companies to manage global immigration. With the ability to service 180+ countries and more than 1,750 clients worldwide, they deliver the complete range of services required to manage immigration for a global workforce. From securing visas and work authorizations, to supporting business travelers and remote workers, to providing strategic guidance that keeps programs running efficiently and in compliance, their immigration professionals take a holistic, proactive, compassionate approach. Envoy Global’s technology platform was purpose-built by their in-house technology team to make immigration easier for mobility professionals and the global talent they depend on. Learn more at www.envoyglobal.com.
About Smith Stone Walters
Established in 2001, Smith Stone Walters has been a trusted partner for individuals and organizations seeking expert immigration services for over two decades. Founded by three former employees of the Home Office Immigration Service, Gary Smith, David Hugkulstone, and James Walters, the company has evolved into a leading provider of immigration solutions, serving hundreds of clients worldwide. With a global reach spanning four office locations, Smith Stone Walters prides itself on providing personalized guidance and tailored solutions to help individuals and organizations navigate the complexities of immigration law. Visit www.smithstonewalters.com for more information.
About Palladium
Since its founding in 1997, Palladium has invested in more than 220 companies (41 platforms and more than 180 add-ons). With over $3 billion in AUM, the firm focuses primarily on buyout equity investments in the range of $50 million to $150 million. Palladium seeks to acquire and grow companies in partnership with founders and experienced management teams by providing capital and strategic guidance. The partners of the firm have meaningful experience in consumer, services, industrials, and healthcare businesses, with a special focus on companies they believe will benefit from the growth in the U.S. Hispanic population. For more information, visit https://www.palladiumequity.com.
Contact:
For Palladium Equity Partners:
Jeffrey Taufield / Todd Fogarty
jeffrey.taufield@kekstcnc or todd.fogarty@kekstcnc.com
212-521-4800
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