Private equity backed Cooper Parry has acquired URM Consulting Services, a Reading based cyber security specialist to expand digital consulting
URM Consulting Services was set up in 2005 and is headed up by CEO Lisa Dargan. Over the last two decades, URM has built up the firm specialising in cyber, risk and compliance, and assurance services.
The firm will retain its own brand with the strapline ‘part of Cooper Parry.’
URM reported shareholder funds of £470,393 for financial year end for 30 September 2024.
With cyber threats dominating the news cycle, Cooper Parry said the deal was a ‘response to client demand for stronger protection for critical data’. URM will be a key element of the group’s digital consulting arm, which already accounts for £20m of fee income.
Lisa Dargan, CEO, URM Consulting Services, said: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining forces with such an ambitious firm as Cooper Parry, which through its bold vision is transforming the professional services arena.
‘Acting as the cyber security cornerstone within the CP group, we’ll be able to offer existing and future clients truly integrated assurance services across all areas of business risk and further strengthen and develop our service offering.
‘Together, URM and CP share a commitment to quality, integrity, and long-term partnerships – an alignment that we will harness to drive bold innovation in the information and cyber security risk and assurance space.’
This is Cooper Parry’s 17th acquisition since it first took private equity backing in 2023 and puts it on track for £240m fee income in FY25, part of the group’s ambitious target of reaching £1bn revenue by 2030.
Ade Cheatham, CEO, Cooper Parry, said: ‘URM is a class act. Lisa and her brilliant team have built something special - with original thinking, deep relationships, and real talent. Their agility in a fast-moving space sets them apart. With digital consulting already a £20m+ business within CP, this deal adds even more firepower, depth, and client value to the group.’
Cooper Parry has grown significantly in the last two years, with reported revenue of £120m for financial year end 30 April 2024, more than double the £52.9m reported in FY2023 and putting the group firmly in the Top 20 Firms in the UK.
Pictured: Lisa Dargan and Ade Cheatham
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