Activate Group will expand its accident repair network with four new sites this year after securing major investment from Elysian Capital.
The private equity firm has acquired a majority share in the group to accelerate an ambitious growth strategy.
As part of the deal, Elysian Capital partner James Cunningham becomes chairman, while Activate Group co-founder Hannah Wilcox remains CEO.
Co-founders Mark Wilcox and Mark Woods step down from the board, as do Paul Pancham and Jamie Sopp, although Paul and Jamie will continue to provide advisory support.
Hannah said: “Elysian Capital has an outstanding track record of supporting fast-growing businesses like ours, and I’m confident their investment and support will allow us to take Activate Group to the next level.
“In 2024 we’ll open four more purpose-built repair centres to complement the capacity we have within our partner network. The first of these will open in Hampton, South-West London, in March.
“We’ll also continue to invest in technology that drives efficiency and transparency in the services we offer, and we have now signed up with the Living Wage Foundation.”
Activate Group provides end-to-end accident management services to the fleet and insurance industries. It partners with some of the UK’s best-known fleets through its specialist fleet brand, sopp+sopp provides accident management services to big-name insurers like RSA and Marshmallow.
The business also includes a dedicated parts division, Activate Parts, and operates its own repair centres under the name of Activate Accident Repair.
