GB Group (UK)

GBG is an identity management, location intelligence and fraud prevention company. GBG offers solutions that help organisations validate and verify the identity and location of their customers. GBG products are built on data obtained from over 200 global partners. GBG focuses on innovative technology for location intelligence, fraud detection and identity verification. GBG can verify the identity of 4.4 billion people globally.

GB Group plc
AIM: GBG
IndustryIdentity management
Founded1989
Headquarters
Chester
,
United Kingdom
Key people
Chris Clark (CEO)[1]
Dave Wilson (CFO and COO)
David Rasche (Chairman)
Revenue £119.7 million (2018)[2]
£26.3 million (2018)[2]
£10.7 million (2018)[2]
Websitewww.gbgplc.com

History

GBG was established in 1989 initially as GB Information Management, to exploit the market for postcode and address information. In addition to software products, GB Information Management also provided bureau services relating to postcodes, names, addresses and other information. In July 1999 GB Information Management was acquired by Phonelink, a company founded by Trevor Burke. At the time of acquisition, GB Information Management had a turnover of £6.9million, an operating profit of £1million and employed approximately 80 people in Chester, United Kingdom.

On 1 April 2000, the company changed its name from Phonelink plc to TelMe.com plc in response to the success of their early Tel-Me application. In February 2004, the company changed its name to GB Group as part of a movement to distinguish itself from its previous travel interests. In 2006 the company launched an international identity verification service covering 21 countries. In 2011 GB Group moved to a listing on the London Stock Exchange Alternative Investment Market. In 2015 GB Group re-branded to "GBG" for ease of international recognition. This reflected a desire to pursue international growth. In 2019 GBG international revenues increased to represent 57% of revenues from 35%.[3]

Company Name

"GB Group Plc" is a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange, Alternative Investment Market. "GB Group Plc" is the official registered name with Companies House in the United Kingdom. The "GB" in GB Group is often thought to stand for "Great Britain," but in fact originates from the last name of two founding directors: Green and Burke. GBG is the global brand name.

Customers

GBG works with 17,000 clients in 79 countries, ranging from US e-commerce giants, to banks in Asia, and European household brands. GBG supports smaller businesses and disruptive start-ups as well. Many use GBG’s self-serve solutions to help make their businesses more efficient.

Employees

GBG has 1,000 employees across 18 countries and measures its performance by Q12 Gallup Polling employee engagement. GBG has an employee engagement score of 81 percent and Glassdoor rating of 4.3.

Acquisitions

The rationale for GBG’s acquisition strategy is that it can be a more efficient way to gain access to new clients, datasets, and capabilities and, to expand into new markets. The earnings impact of the acquisitions, the new datasets, customers and expanded geographical presence are key drivers of GBG’s growth.

In 2015 GBG acquired Loqate, a specialist in global addressing technology. Loqate provided GBG with a base in Silicon Valley for US-focused operations. GBG had previously held an investment stake of 30% in Loqate.

In 2016 GBG acquired IDscan Biometrics Ltd, a provider of software that authenticates documents including passports, visas, ID cards, driving licenses, utility bills and work permits. IDscan also provides facial recognition software to check that those documents are not stolen.

In 2017 GBG acquired PCA Predict, a leading provider of UK and international address validation services.

In 2018 GBG acquired Verifeyed, a Czech company focused on detecting whether an image has been digitally tampered with.

In 2018 GBG also acquired Vix Verify, an Australian company focused on identity verification and address validation.

In 2019 GBG acquired IDology, a US identity verification company.

References
  1. "GBG Plc - Appointment of New CEO". gbgplc.com. 13 October 2016. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
  2. "GBG Annual Report FYE 31 March 2019". GBG. Retrieved 8 January 2020.
  3. "GBG Half Year Report". GBG website. Retrieved 8 January 2020.
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