Whistl acquires Clientbase Fulfilment

Founded in 1999, Clientbase is a privately held company based in Paignton, Devon, and offers the full fulfilment service for home shopping companies, including pick & pack, 140-seat contact centre capability, warehousing, returns handling and delivery.

The company has built up an impressive customer base with well-known brands, including Cisco, Dogs Trust, Madeleine, Peter Hahn, RSPCA, Secret Lab and Sophie Conran.

Clientbase was founded by David Fanous, Managing Director, Rob Smeddle, Sales & Marketing Director, and Angus Dick, Financial Director.  David will remain with the company, Rob becomes a consultant and Angus will retire.

The company’s 250 employees will continue to work at its two sites in Devon and trade under the Clientbase brand.

The acquisition of Clientbase accelerates Whistl’s rapid expansion into fulfilment and contact centre services, most recently announcing the expansion of its facilities in Rushden and a new warehouse in Northampton.  Through this acquisition, Whistl will now have 8 fulfilment warehouses across the UK and over 500 seat contact centre capability.

Nick Wells, CEO of Whistl, said: “We look forward to welcoming the Clientbase team into the Whistl family.  They share our entrepreneurial approach and commitment to best-in-class service. Combining their expertise alongside our current and growing capabilities enables us to provide the scale and resources required to meet the ever-expanding demand for online shopping.”

David Fanous, Managing Director, Clientbase, said: “Through joining forces with Whistl, we will strengthen their already well-established fulfilment arm, and in turn, we will now be part of the UK’s leading delivery management company and be able to draw upon their expertise and infrastructure.”

The value of the deal was undisclosed.