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5 Invaluable Insights:

Executing The 60 Million Pound Sale

Intro

Humble Kitchen Table

From a humble kitchen table in Leicestershire  to a global enterprise, the journey of REVIEWS.io is a testament to the power of dedication, innovation and strategic partnerships.

When AppHub, a major player in the US software industry, approached Callum McKeefery and Nicole Albano, owners of REVIEWS.io, it was DWS Legal that played a pivotal role in what came to be a £60 million deal.

Through this process both Callum and DWS Legal learned invaluable insights. Whether you’re navigating similar high-stakes transactions or building a business that you would one day like to sell for life altering financial gains here’s five invaluable insights that have been pivotal in DWS Legal’s continued success.

300+ Reviews

Background

REVIEWS.io

REVIEWS.io was founded in 2012 by Callum McKeefery and Nicole Albano. Providing a platform for genuine consumer reviews that enhance sales and customer trust, REVIEWS.io grew into a significant player in the e-commerce sector.

As the company expanded to have teams in Leicester, Irvine, Sydney and Berlin, its reputation attracted the interest of AppHub.

Coordinating this deal was DWS Legal.

“Sameer (DWS Legal) was an integral part of the deal and without him by our side throughout the process, it would not have been as seamless and quick – I’m absolutely sure of that.”

Callum McKeefery

Reflecting on this experience we’ve identified five key insights that are crucial for any business looking to build something as impactful as Callum and Nicole.

1.

The Power of Long-Term Relationships

For any business, investing in strong, long-term relationships is essential. By surrounding yourself with talented and dedicated people and partners, you can ensure your business is well-positioned to grow and thrive.

The journey of REVIEWS.io from a small startup to a global player highlights how with talented individuals a small business can evolve into an industry giant.

Our decade-long collaboration between DWS Legal and REVIEWS.io allowed us to deeply understand their goals and needs. This comprehensive insight was instrumental in navigating the complexities of their acquisition by AppHub. The trust and mutual respect built over the years ensured that Callum and Nicole had confidence in our commitment to their success.

“When I took over DWS, Callum was my first ever client. I feel like we’ve been on a journey with him. We’ve watched REVIEWS.io grow, and it only seemed right that we coordinated the deal that would shape not only the future of the business but of Callum and Nicole’s too.”
Sameer Karim

2.

Clear Communication is Critical

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful deal. Throughout the acquisition, DWS Legal maintained open channels with both REVIEWS.io and AppHub, ensuring all parties were informed and aligned.

Transparent communication such as this is vital in preventing misunderstandings and facilitating a smooth process.

“We were making international calls around the clock… we became his virtual in-house legal department.

Sameer Karim


3.

Perseverance Pays Off

The REVIEWS.io transaction encountered it’s fair share of unforeseen challenges. For any business facing a complex challenge it’s essential to remain adaptable and resilient. Anticipate obstacles and prepare to address them proactively. This might involve assembling a skilled team, maintaining clear and consistent communication and being ready to pivot strategies when necessary.

Looking back it was clear our commitment and perseverance was crucial in overcoming the hurdles of a complex transaction.

“I remember so vividly when Callum signed those final documents. He turned to me and said, ‘I’ve just sold,’ and we gave each other a hug. We’d all worked tirelessly to make sure everything was managed efficiently”

Sameer Karim

4.

Client Needs are Paramount

Understanding and prioritising client needs is essential in any transaction. It’s crucial to ensure that clients feel supported throughout any business process. This means taking the time to understand their goals, concerns and what success looks like to them. Building this kind of relationship fosters trust and ensures that all parties are aligned towards a common objective.


Our decade-long relationship with REVIEWS.io gave us a deep insight into their business and personal goals. We had seen their growth from the very beginning and understood the nuances of their vision and objectives. However, this familiarity if not careful could have led to complacency and therefore it was vital to ensure the familiarity became an advantage but also didn’t constrain processes.

We spent considerable time re-engaging with Callum and Nicole to understand what a successful outcome meant for them at this stage. This included not only the financial aspects of the deal but also their personal aspirations.

We meticulously tailored our approach to align with their priorities, providing constant updates, addressing their concerns promptly, and offering strategic advice that resonated with their long-term vision. This deep, personalised engagement ensured that the entire transaction process was smooth and that the outcome was truly reflective of their goals and values.

"We have always felt this when working with Sameer and the DWS team – that their priority is always the client, rather than simply pushing a deal through"

Callum McKeefery

5.

Expertise Matters

In order to achieve your desired goal faster, expertise is crucial. This is especially the case when navigating the waters of more complex, life altering transactions.

Working with professionals who have in-depth knowledge and experience relevant to the specifics of the deal can make the difference between a smooth, successful transaction and one fraught with issues and delays.

DWS Legal’s experience with international transactions was pivotal in the successful sale of REVIEWS.io to AppHub. Our expertise and attention to detail ensured that all aspects of the deal were managed efficiently and effectively.

“DWS’s knowledge, attention to detail, and dedication are second-to-none,”

Callum McKeefery

Bonus

Bonus: Reviews Matter

The success of REVIEWS.io itself underscores the importance of customer feedback and satisfaction. The platform has helped countless businesses thrive by building trust through genuine reviews.

From my decade spent with Callum and especially the time coordinating the sale of REVIEW.io we saw first hand how valuable reviews could be. Inspired by this, we at DWS Legal have also focused on client feedback and now boast over 300 Google reviews which climbs every month.

300+ Reviews

Conclusion

Navigating a complex transaction like the acquisition of REVIEWS.io has offered invaluable insights for DWS Legal. The insights gained from this journey—understanding the power of long-term relationships, the importance of clear communication, the value of perseverance, prioritising client needs and the necessity of specialised expertise—are key takeaways that continue to guide us whilst growing and offering our customers unparalleled service.

We believe this landmark deal underscores the critical role a dedicated legal partner plays in achieving a successful outcome. Our decade-long relationship with Callum and Nicole, combined with our strategic approach and unwavering commitment, ensured that their goals were met and their needs were prioritised.

“Selling REVIEWS.io was one of the toughest decisions I have ever made. However, having the freedom and finances to do whatever we can to help our son will always be our priority.”

The deal allows Callum and Nicole to focus on caring for their son, Hudson, who has a rare mitochondrial condition.

Whether selling, building or operating as an individual within a business, we hope these takeaways are a helpful guide that only aids your continued success. DWS Legal pride ourselves on being an award-winning, highly reviewed law firm dedicated to delivering exceptional results for our customers.

If you are in need of comprehensive legal support DWS Legal is ready to assist you every step of the way.

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