Beech Tree Private Equity today announces an investment in Fourteen IP,  a global leader in cloud telephony and AI solutions for the hospitality industry. Beech Tree’s investment will position Fourteen IP for continued global growth and expansion into new geographic regions, notably Asia and Australia, as well as entry into additional market verticals, particularly in the US. 

Celebrating 14 successful years of innovation and growth, Fourteen IP has become the trusted telecommunications & technology partner for hotels and hospitality providers worldwide, renowned for industry-leading solutions such as Evolution Voice and AI-powered EVA (Evolution Virtual Assistant).

Beech Tree cultivated a strong relationship with Fourteen IP over several years, allowing both parties to understand eachother’s businesses and management teams. This thorough and mutual understanding was vital for Fourteen IP in securing the ideal investment partner to support its future ambitions.

 Beech Tree Private Equity also brings an impressive track record of executing successful buy-and-build strategies, consistently supporting their portfolio companies in making strategic acquisitions. Beech Tree has invested in the sector before, scaling up a UK headquartered business called Wavenet with 8 complementary acquisitions over a four year period. Fourteen IP intends to leverage this expertise to significantly accelerate growth through organic growth and targeted acquisitions supported by a committed acquisition facility from NatWest (led by Mike Malone).

Looking ahead, the partnership with Beech Tree Private Equity presents new opportunities for accelerated growth. This collaboration will enhance Fourteen IP’s ability to expand its global footprint, introduce solutions to new vertical markets, and continue the innovation that has been central to the company’s success.

“Beech Tree’s decision to invest in Fourteen IP validates our vision, performance, and commitment to delivering world-class solutions,” commented Neil Tolley (CEO). “We are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings and look forward to bringing our exceptional services and innovative technology to new markets and customers around the globe.”

“Our culture and our people have always been at the heart of our success,” Tolley emphasised. “With Beech Tree, we have a partner who understands and fully supports the importance of maintaining the unique spirit and customer-centric approach that makes Fourteen IP so special.”

Commenting on the transaction, James Rosthorn (Investment Director at Beech Tree) said “It has been a pleasure to build a strong relationship with Neil and his team over the past few years. We have closely tracked Fourteen IP’s progress, and investing on their 14th anniversary feels particularly fitting. Our search for complementary acquisitions is already underway, and we anticipate announcing further transactions as we accelerate the M&A strategy. I am also delighted to join the board alongside Paul Franks, who successfully led Wavenet’s buy-and-build strategy in the telecoms sector.”

About Fourteen IP

Fourteen IP is the global leader in providing cloud telephony and AI-powered solutions designed specifically for the hospitality sector. Trusted by hotels and hospitality brands in over 25 countries, Fourteen IP is renowned for innovative solutions, including Evolution Voice and EVA,that seamlessly integrate technology to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency.

About Beech Tree Private Equity‍

Beech Tree Private Equity invests £10-40 million into fast-growing profitable businesses in three key areas – technology,tech-enabled services, and financial services. Beech Tree works with Management teams to build scale and capability, bringing capital and expertise to drive these expansion strategies, building category-leading companies of scale.

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Funders of the transaction:

Beech Tree Private Equity (Paul Franks, JamesRosthorn, Leigh Thomas, Claudia Haywood)

NatWest (Mike Malone, Fiona McDonald)

Advisors to Beech Tree and Newco:

Legal Advisors – Eversheds (Antony Walsh, Chris Archer, Amy Bagni, Mitch Bosi, Patrick Davis, Zoe Hyde)

Financial Due Dilligence – DSW (Ed Brentall, Rob Parker)

Tax Due Dilligence- Alvarez and Marsal (Nick Walton, Amy Milinkovic, Megan Walsh)

Cyber Due Dilligence- CovertSwarm

Advisors to the Company

Corporate Finance – Elucid partners (Paul Turner, James Barraclough, Chris Summerscales)

Legal Advisors- Pannone Corporate LLP (Tim Hamilton, Sophie Adshead)

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