KINETIC SOLUTIONS

V O L A R I S G R O U P C A S E S T U D Y

volarisgroup.com5800 Explorer Drive, 5th Floor, Mississauga, ON Canada L4W 5K9 | Tel: (905) 267 5400 | Fax: (905) 238 8408 2

Based in Cranfield, UK, Kinetic Solutions Ltd. serves

as a leading provider of comprehensive solutions for

higher education institutions, conference centers and

hospitality management.

Founded in 1998, Kinetic Solutions was started by

Chris Wildsmith and Steve Ashley with nothing more than

their partnership and vision. After a few short years at the

helm, Ashley and Wildsmith saw tremendous success and

sought to expand into the student accommodation and

conference markets which provided further consistent growth

that has now grown to over 300 customers worldwide.

Background

5800 Explorer Drive, 5th Floor, Mississauga, ON Canada L4W 5K9 | Tel: (905) 267 5400 | Fax: (905) 238 8408 3

Kinetics’ two shareholders were not actively looking to sell

but always remained open to opportunities in the wider market.

Volaris Group recognized Kinetic Solutions as a strategic fit

for their portfolio of Vertical Market Software Businesses,

and approached the two shareholders in June 2014 to discuss

a potential acquisition.

The Volaris approach provided an opportunity for the owners to

resolve differing opinions on the future business development.

Ashley was more wary of risk and possible investment and as

a technical developer felt uncomfortable with the scale of and

pressure of owning the business from both a strategic and

operational perspective. Wildsmith was more growth focused

and motivated to continue developing the business and pushing

for the new opportunities. Thus a conflict of interest arose with

no evident solutions to the problem at hand.

Challenges

Both Wildsmith and Ashley where intrigued by Volaris’

unique buy-and-hold acquisition philosophy, as it would

provide Wildsmith the opportunity to grow and operate

Kinetic Solutions autonomously. Furthermore, with greater

access to capital, Wildsmith would be able to achieve his

objective of scaling Kinetic Solutions through both strategic

and organic growth initiatives. Ashley would obtain the benefits

of the sale, removing the risk and personal investment

required, allowing him to pursue his true passion in the

business; programming. The shareholders where excited to

accept the solution offered by Volaris Group as it would fulfill

both of their personal and professional goals.

Solutions for conflicting business goals

volarisgroup.com

We are very excited about the possibilities ahead of us for both our customers and our employees,

Volaris’ commitment to success through organic growth initiatives and their expertise in operational

mentoring align perfectly with our company’s vision and values.”

—Chris Wildsmith, GM of Kinetic Solutions“

5800 Explorer Drive, 5th Floor, Mississauga, ON Canada L4W 5K9 | Tel: (905) 267 5400 | Fax: (905) 238 8408 4

The acquisition of Kinetic Solutions by Volaris had no

bearing on the company’s operations. Today, Wildsmith

continues to operate Kinetic Solutions as their General

Manager, retaining his leadership while gaining greater

access to capital. Ashley removed his risk as a shareholder

but continues to be a part of the business as a developer

and employee. Furthermore, Kinetic Solutions now has

access to corporate wide sharing of best practices for VMS

companies providing their young, ambitious workforce

the opportunity for professional growth and development.

In the near future, Wildsmith himself looks forward to

becoming an acquirer and building a better business as

part of Volaris Group.

Looking towards a bright future

volarisgroup.com

“Making the decision to sell your

business is a tough process, a rare

combination of emotions, logic,

short vs. long term thinking and

ego…what impressed me most

about the Volaris process was that

the promises pre-acquisition and

realities post acquisition have 99%

played out and I’m looking forward

to further opportunities under the

Volaris umbrella.

—Chris Wildsmith, GM of Kinetic Solutions“