London | 19 January 2023 – ClearCourse, a leading group of market-leading technology brands providing integrated software and payments solutions, today announces the acquisition of Clear. Focusing on market-leading software solutions for the non-profit and transport sectors, Clear will expand ClearCourse’s established and growing footprint while creating new opportunities within the transport sector. This deal is the first of the year for ClearCourse and follows the recent appointment of CEO Christina Hamilton.

Clear’s solutions are designed with specific customer needs in mind to streamline its customers’ processes and operations. Its flagship product in the not-for-profit space, FirstClass, is the UK’s leading legacy donation management software, helping over 100 charities and not-for-profits maximise their income from legacy donations. Similarly, the company’s Clear Cross and Clear Logistics systems help transport operators process revenues and manage logistics. The company also specialises in creating bespoke systems to help its customers with various business processes such as contract recording, claims handling and data storing. Clear supports over 100 globally recognised, leading charities and businesses such as Oxfam, the NSPCC, Cancer Research UK and National Express.

Based in Chorley, Lancashire, and with a team across the North West of the UK, Clear’s acquisition represents a further expansion of ClearCourse’s presence in the region following the opening of its Northern Tech Hub last year in nearby Preston. Clear shares a range of integration opportunities with ClearCourse’s existing software offerings, creating significant extra value for customers. For instance, brands within ClearCourse’s Membership Services Division will have the chance to benefit customers through the integration of Clear’s FirstClass offering. Clear’s customers will also benefit from ClearCourse’s horizontal solutions, including integrated payments, investment, resources and expertise.

John Antunes, Managing Director of ClearCourse Software and Services division, said:

“This acquisition is undoubtedly an excellent addition to ClearCourse’s software solutions for the not-for-profit sector. We’re very excited by the integration and growth potential inherent in the deal, which brings new opportunities for us to work better together across the group. For example, Clear’s customers can access our market-leading CRM platforms and address validation services. We’re also excited by the opportunity to learn from such an experienced team at Clear, who we’re delighted to welcome to ClearCourse.”

Jan Rathbone and Ian Parker, Directors of Clear, said: 

“We’re very pleased to share that Clear will become part of ClearCourse. At a time when the company is looking to grow and develop to the next stage of our journey, ClearCourse is the perfect fit for Clear. We’re excited to work with a wide range of impressive products. ClearCourse offers and for Clear to benefit from their support and investment in 2023 and beyond.”

The financial terms of the deal are undisclosed.

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Notes to Editors

About ClearCourse

Founded in 2018,ClearCourse is a group acquiring and investing in industry-specific and market-leading software businesses which serve small and medium enterprises across the UK, delivering integrated solutions to nearly 25,000 customers.

At the group’s core is a vision of making life easier for its customers through providing integrated and intelligent software solutions. ClearCourse is building a high-performing and sustainable workplace, connecting specialist teams with integrated, complementary products by acquiring brands that span membership, business services, events, leisure, and the retail and hospitality sector.

ClearCourse is backed by Aquiline Capital Partners, a private investment firm based in New York and London with $9.2 billion in assets under management that invests across financial services and technology.

To learn more about ClearCourse, its people and solutions, visit https://www.clearcourse.co.uk/.

About Clear

Clear develops software solutions serving the non-profit and transportation sectors. Its flagship FirstClass products help charitable, and not-for-profit organisations manage and process legacy donations left to them. Its Cross system helps transport operator companies save time, money, and resources with its easy-to-use revenue recovery platform.

The company was founded in 1996 and is based in Chorley, Lancashire. The Clear team is led jointly by Directors Jan Rathbone and Ian Parker.

To learn more about Clear and its products, visit https://clear-software.co.uk/