DWS Legal has successfully helped secure one of the largest international business deals in the East Midlands, after co-ordinating the £60 million acquisition of REVIEWS.io.
The sale saw AppHub, an e-commerce-enabled platform and major player in US software, acquire the Leicester-based reviews website from owners Callum McKeefery and Nicole Albano late last year.
Overseeing the completion of the sale was fellow Leicester-based business DWS Legal, the legal firm that supported REVIEWS.io since it launched more than 10 years ago.
DWS Legal CEO Sameer Karim said: “When I took over DWS, Callum was my first ever client. I feel like we’ve been on a journey with him, we’ve watched REVIEWS.io grow and so it only seemed right that we coordinated the deal that would shape not only the future of the business but of Callum and Nicole’s too.”
Founded by husband and wife duo Callum and Nicole, from the comfort of their kitchen table in 2012, REVIEWS.io now has more than 70 staff worldwide, with teams based in Leicester, Irvine, Sydney and Berlin.
REVIEWS.io was designed to be a platform that builds trust between brands and customers, giving consumers the opportunity to publish genuine reviews of a service or product, which in turn drives sales.
Having developed more than 8,000 customers, including some of the most well-known brands in the e-commerce industry, REVIEWS.io echoes the mission of AppHub to build software that enables e-commerce success.
As part of the deal, Callum has become a board member and key shareholder in AppHub.
“When Callum approached me about the deal, DWS Legal quickly became an extension of REVIEWS.io. I immediately parachuted all of the relevant support around him and in essence, we basically became his virtual in-house legal department,” Sameer explained.
“As the deal progressed, Callum practically lived here – we were making international calls around the clock.
“DWS Legal became I suppose, in some way, a safety net for the business because he knew it was in good hands.”
Recalling the moment that saw the deal close, Sameer said it was a “very emotional time.”
He said: “I remember so vividly when Callum signed those final documents. He turned to me and said ‘I’ve just sold’, and we gave each other a hug. I almost felt like it was my deal too – we’d all worked tirelessly to make sure everything was managed efficiently.
“We’re not your usual legal firm at DWS. We provide a personal approach and we really care about all of our clients. Our ethos, our drive and our passion for successfully getting the best results for people just like Callum, is what gets me up in the morning.
“For us as a legal firm, the deal has been poignant in helping to mark what has been our most successful financial year to date. This deal demonstrates our capability and commitment here at DWS Legal, and we look forward to supporting more businesses, as we continue into 2023.”
The deal means that Callum and Nicole, who have recently become parents to new-born River, will have more time to care for seven-year-old Hudson, their first son together, who has a rare mitochondrial condition.
“Selling REVIEWS.io was one of the toughest decisions I have ever made, however, having the freedom and finances to do whatever we can to help our son will always be our priority,” said Callum.
“Sameer was an integral part of the deal, and without him by our side throughout the process, it would not have been as seamless and quick – I’m absolutely sure of that.
“We had lawyers and professionals working within both America and the UK, and Sameer basically pulled everyone together and managed the sale from our end.
“His knowledge, his attention to detail and his dedication to his clients are second-to-none, I can’t fault him. It was clear – and we have always felt this when working with Sameer and the DWS team – that their priority is always the client, rather than simply pushing a deal through.”
Callum said Sameer has been his “trusted soundboard,” an “advisor” and “a helping hand” from the moment Reviews.io was first launched.
“Back in 2012, Sameer was the one setting up our first ever terms and conditions, and most recently, he has helped us complete a £60 million sale. He really has been on this journey with us.”
