'A natural strategic fit' : Belfast benefits firm acquired in major UK-Ireland deal creating 150-client membership services group
Acquisition of Club Marketing Services creates major player serving 150 organisations across membership and workplace perks sector
A Belfast-based provider of discount and benefits programmes to membership associations, unions and employers in NI and ROI has been acquired by a new owner.
Founded in 2007 by entrepreneur Kathie Edwards, Club Marketing Services (CMS) works with customers to deliver tailored benefits and discount programmes.
Best known through its Membership Plus and Perks brands, the business has been acquired by Parliament Hill, the trading name of CSMA Benefits, a UK provider of benefits for membership organisations.
The acquisition brings together two established providers in the membership benefits sector. The combined organisation will serve more than 150 associations, unions and employers across the UK and Ireland.
Kathie Edwards will remain with the business, ensuring continuity for CMS clients and supporting the integration and growth of the combined organisation.
Gautam Sahgal, executive chair of CSMA Benefits, said: "Club Marketing Services has built a strong reputation in ROI, NI and across the UK by delivering real value to membership organisations, employers and their members.
"This acquisition strengthens Parliament Hill's position in the membership, union and employer benefits sector and expands our presence in a region where CMS is widely recognised as a market leader.
"We are delighted to welcome Kathie and her team to Parliament Hill and look forward to building on the strong foundations they have created."
Joel Tobias, chief executive of CSMA Benefits, explained: "CMS is a natural strategic fit for Parliament Hill. Both organisations share a clear focus on helping membership associations, unions and employers engage their members and employees through compelling benefits platforms.
"The depth of CMS's discount offering combined with our scale, technology and merchant relationships, will create one of the most comprehensive benefit portfolios in the sector.
"We will continue to invest in seamless technology that delivers a great experience for members and employees while helping merchant partners reach and engage valuable audiences."
Kathie Edwards, founder and managing director of Club Marketing Services, added: "Since founding CMS in 2007, our focus has always been on delivering benefits that genuinely add value for our clients and their members and employees.
"I am incredibly proud of the business we have built and the relationships we have developed over the years."