PPL expands with Think Compliance deal

A Leeds-headquartered financial compliance specialist is accelerating its expansion strategy through a strategic acquisition designed to broaden its client base and sector expertise.

Product Partnerships Ltd (PPL) has bought a majority stake in Think Compliance, also based in Leeds, adding more than 200 clients to the group and strengthening its capabilities across regulated industries. 

Bosses say the deal supports PPL’s wider growth strategy, which combines acquisitions, organic expansion and partnerships.

They add it follows a £10 million investment round completed in February 2025 and comes after the business quadrupled its client base since a management buyout. 

Phillip Garlick, chief executive officer of PPL, said: “We are building a national leader in outsourced compliance and the last twelve months have demonstrated the scale of the opportunity ahead of us.

“Our growth has been driven by a combination of organic momentum, strategic partnerships and targeted acquisitions, all underpinned by the quality of our people and platform.

“The acquisition of Think Compliance strengthens our capability, while partnerships such as Mac Tools show how our model can scale across different sectors.”

Think Compliance was advised on the deal by Schofield Sweeney.

Ben Stephens, solicitor in Schofield Sweeney’s corporate team, added: “It was a pleasure to work on this deal and to bring together two companies with such complementary strengths. 

“With the deal structured as a partial buyout, and our client retaining a 20 per cent interest, it was a complex transaction that we have helped restructure, demonstrating the depth of expertise the firm offers.” 

As it looks to consolidate a fragmented compliance market, PPL is exploring further acquisitions while continuing to grow through partnerships, including a recent agreement with Mac Tools, part of Stanley Black & Decker.

Founded in Shipley 11 years ago, the firm now supports global brands including Aston Martin, Hyundai, JD Sports and Scottish Power, with its proprietary Artemis platform underpinning scalable compliance delivery.

The firm has also strengthened its leadership with industry veteran Peter Cowgill joining as a non-executive director, supporting the group as it enters its next phase of growth.

Peter said: “PPL is operating in a market that is ripe for consolidation and has a clear opportunity to become the partner of choice for businesses that want to grow responsibly. 

“The quality of the clients already working with the business is impressive and reflects the depth of expertise and service PPL provides. 

“I am delighted to be supporting the team as it continues to expand.”

Philip added: “Bringing Peter on board adds significant experience and insight and we are excited about the next stage of our journey.”

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