Nationwide Retail Systems sold to Civica

Civica Group, the global IT-based services partner in digital solutions, software applications, and managed services, has expanded its presence in the UK school software market by acquiring cashless catering market specialist Nationwide Retail Systems (NRS). BCMS advised the shareholders of NRS throughout the transaction, which completed in 2018.

Barnsley-based NRS is a provider of SaaS solutions, and developed market-leading cashless catering management system Trust-e, which is deployed in more than 2000 UK schools and colleges. In addition, NRS provides specialist EPOS software for the hospitality industry.

Established in 1980, NRS specialises in the supply, installation and support of cashless payment systems for the catering environment to the UK education sector, serving more than 1700 schools including 250 academies. Within its Hospitality EPOS business, NRS supplies hundreds of installations to restaurants, pubs, hotels, nightclubs, stadia, theme parks and casinos. The firm employs around 70 staff and is based on a single site.

Digital technology group Civica provides software applications and outsourcing services to public services and regulated markets, including a financial management solution serving more than 6000 schools.

Deal insights

The move continues Civica’s strategy to complement organic growth with the acquisition of software-based businesses which extend the company’s leading position in existing and adjacent market sectors. It adds technologies that Civica does not currently offer, including an effective identity management solution, and will result in an enlarged payments business with the opportunity to expand on the current market presence of both organisations.

This transaction was Civica’s second acquisition of a BCMS client business, following the 2014 purchase of software and consultancy provider Asidua.