Sell-Side M&A — Exclusive Mandate

Project Meridian

A SaaS-led production services group — UK television & film industry

£2.14m
Combined revenue FY2026
~£1.1m
Normalised group EBITDA
146
Corporate subscribers
150k+
Freelancer database
7×
Subscription price growth since 2014
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Transaction overview

The Opportunity

ClearLakeBlue Limited is acting as sole adviser on the sale of a group comprising two complementary businesses serving the UK's major broadcasters and independent production sector. The founders are seeking a strategic acquirer or growth-oriented investor.

Subsidiary 1 — SaaS Platform

A subscription workforce management platform purpose-built for the television and film production industry. Framework agreements in place with two major UK broadcasters. Recurring SaaS revenue, high retention, 7× subscription price growth since 2014.

Subsidiary 2 — Equipment Services

A broadcast equipment hire subsidiary with preferred supplier status at the UK's two largest broadcasters. Contract-backed revenue, strong FY2026 growth of 41% year-on-year.

Strategic Rationale

  • Embedded within major broadcaster supply chains
  • Latent freelancer monetisation upside (150k database, 2% Pro conversion today)
  • SaaS platform scalable beyond current broadcaster base
  • Carve-out of equipment subsidiary possible if preferred
Investment Teaser  Confidential

Financial Overview

Metric Subsidiary 1 Subsidiary 2 Group
FY2026 Revenue £1.46m £682k £2.14m
FY2026 Reported PBT £648k £192k £840k
Normalised EBITDA ~£640k ~£460k ~£1.1m
Revenue growth YoY — +41% —

Valuation context: ClearLakeBlue's indicative valuation range is £5.5m–£7.7m (base case) and £9.4m–£13.3m (strategic/optimistic case), reflecting 5–7× normalised EBITDA multiples. The founders' target of £9.5m is achievable at approximately 8.6× on confirmed group EBITDA - considered realistic for a strategic acquirer acquiring genuine broadcaster infrastructure.

Platform Highlights

Subscriber Base

  • 146 corporate subscribers (FY2026)
  • 4,686 registered individual users
  • 150,000+ freelancer database
  • Subscription pricing from £83/month Pro
  • Retention: majority of clients multi-year

Revenue Quality

  • Framework agreements — two major UK broadcasters
  • Contracted multi-year subscriber income
  • Company subscription income up 6.2% YoY
  • New training income stream in FY2026
  • Equipment hire: contract-backed, not spot

Growth Levers

  • Freelancer Pro conversion: 2% today vs. 150k database
  • Broadcaster base expansion beyond current two
  • International market potential — untested
  • Equipment fleet expansion with capital
  • White-label / licence model opportunity

Transaction Structure

  • 100% sale preferred; minority considered
  • Equipment subsidiary carve-out available
  • Founders open to earn-out arrangements
  • Clean balance sheet — debt free at group level
  • Sole mandate: ClearLakeBlue Limited

Process note: This teaser is intentionally anonymised. Company identity, detailed financials, management biographies, and full commercial analysis are contained in the Information Memorandum, available to parties who execute a Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Next step

Access the Information Memorandum

The full IM includes company identity, detailed financial analysis, management biographies, buyer rationale, and ClearLakeBlue's valuation work. Access requires execution of a standard Non-Disclosure Agreement.

Electronic signature via DocuSign Instant IM access on signing Standard two-year confidentiality term Governed by English law
Information Memorandum
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NDA Executed — IM Access Granted

Thank you for completing the Non-Disclosure Agreement. A copy has been emailed to you by DocuSign for your records.

The Project Meridian Information Memorandum is being prepared and will be shared with you directly by ClearLakeBlue shortly. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact us below.

Karim Peer  |  karim@clearlakeblue.com  |  ClearLakeBlue Limited

This material has been prepared by ClearLakeBlue Limited (Company No. 09367221) for information purposes only and is directed solely at persons who are professional investors or otherwise qualify as sophisticated investors. It does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security or to participate in any transaction. The information contained herein is derived from sources believed to be reliable but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to its accuracy or completeness. ClearLakeBlue Limited is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Strictly private and confidential — not for distribution.