Cooper Parry is proud to have supported the shareholders at Ravelin, a leading AI-native fraud prevention platform, through their acquisition by Worldpay. Our CP Deals team provided financial and tax vendor due diligence (VDD), alongside significant additional tax support, helping ensure a successful deal.
But this wasn’t just a one-off transaction. It stemmed from a long-term relationship that began with CP’s Tech & High Growth team and evolved over the years. It’s a story of cultural fit, collaboration, and having the right people in place at the right time.
FROM FIRST INTRODUCTIONS TO TRUSTED ADVISERS
Our Tech & High Growth team, led by Steve Leith, has a track record of working with high-growth tech founders and CFOs. Helping them navigate the challenges of rapid scaling and preparing for the road ahead. That’s how CP’s journey with Ravelin began.
Ravelin co-founder and CFO Nick Lally connected with Steve at a Getting Ready for Diligence event. With their shared experience in the tech startup world, and with our Tech & High Growth team specialism, the conversation naturally went into how we could support. When Ravelin began facing challenges with its existing audit and tax support, turning to CP felt like a natural fit.
SCALING SUPPORT AS RAVELIN’S JOURNEY EVOLVED
As Ravelin grew and an exit became a real possibility, CP’s role expanded. What started with Tech & High Growth providing audit and tax advice evolved into a fully integrated approach. Bringing in specific sector and technical expertise from across our dedicated CP Deals team, including:
- Providing financial and tax vendor due diligence (including specialist support across corporation tax, VAT, employment taxes and employment related securities)
- Providing support in bidder meetings and input into the financial and tax elements of the sale & purchase agreement
A separate CP Tax team providing tax advice to the Ravelin management team on the personal tax implications on the sale of their shares, the tax implications arising from the acquisition of Ravelin by a US purchaser, including collaborating with legal advisors on the sale and purchase agreement and providing valuations support.
This collaborative, cross-team approach was key to the success of Ravelin’s acquisition by Worldpay. It brought together not just CP’s specialists, but also external advisers and Ravelin’s in-house team. When due diligence intensified, CP’s insights and negotiation support proved invaluable.
A FOUNDER’S PERSPECTIVE
As Nick Lally put it:
“Working with Cooper Parry Deals was a game-changer for us. Their team was incredibly knowledgeable, making the whole process smoother and allowing us to stay focused on running the business. They were quick to respond, proactive in tackling challenges, and when due diligence got intense, their insights and negotiation support were invaluable. If you want a team that truly adds value, Cooper Parry is the one to call.”
THE POWER OF LONG-TERM PARTNERSHIPS
This deal is a perfect example of why long-term relationships matter. CP didn’t just step in at the end – we were there at every stage of Ravelin’s journey, providing guidance, solving problems, and ultimately helping them secure a successful exit.
Simon Nichols, Partner and Head of Transaction Services London at Cooper Parry, said:
“This is a landmark deal in the fraud prevention space, and it’s been incredible to support Ravelin through such a pivotal moment in their journey. The AI-driven fraud prevention market is evolving rapidly, and this acquisition by Worldpay underscores just how valuable Ravelin’s technology is. A huge thank you to our Transaction Services, Transaction Tax, and Tech & High Growth teams for their collaborative approach – this deal is a testament to the power of bringing together the right expertise at the right time.”
Steve Leith, Partner and Head of Tech & High Growth at Cooper Parry, said:
“This deal is a fantastic milestone for Ravelin, and we’re proud to have been part of their journey from venture-stage through to this successful exit. The relationship we’ve built with Nick and the team over the years is exactly what we’re all about – long-term partnerships, deep sector expertise, highly responsive service, and a collaborative approach that delivers real value. Huge congratulations everyone at Ravelin, and we can’t wait to see what Nick and the team do next.”
Because when you have the right team by your side from the start, the big moments, like this hugely important deal, become that much smoother. Want to know more? Get in touch today.
