January 22, 2018
Wolfestone, a translation company from South Wales, formally announces its acquisition of the well-established Reading-based company, Robertson Languages International. In acquiring Robertson Languages International, the Wolfestone Group of Companies has now expanded its portfolio to include three companies: Wolfestone Translation, VoiceBox and Robertson Languages International. The acquisition also sees the Wolfestone Group expand its services, encompassing translation and interpreting services, multilingual voice overs and subtitling, and now, global language training.
Anna Bastek, Co-Founder of Wolfestone and one of five key participants in a female-led acquisition, commented: “
This acquisition is a very exciting opportunity for Wolfestone. Not only are we acquiring an established, reputable language service provider, but it also adds an additional service to our offering.” Ms. Bastek, who has long had a passion for learning new languages, continues, “
as a language learner, I’m extremely excited to explore new and innovative methods of language learning. The way we learnt languages 20 years ago is completely different to how we learn them today. The process has become much quicker, cheaper and more accessible. We want to ensure our clients always benefit from the very latest advancements in language learning science and technology.” Wolfestone’s acquisition of Robertson Languages International represents a landmark moment in the company’s 11-year history. Since its inception in 2006 as the provider of small certificate translations, Wolfestone has grown exponentially to become the largest language service provider in Wales. Now, with the acquisition of Robertson Languages International, the Wolfestone Group adds a company with over 28 years’ experience in providing high-quality language learning and translation services.
Wolfestone and Robertson’s ATC Bond
Wolfestone and Robertson Languages International are no strangers to one another. In 2010, Roy Allkin, Co-Founder of Wolfestone, replaced Liz Robertson to become the Chair of the Association of Translation Companies (ATC), and in doing so, making Wolfestone the youngest company to chair its trade body. Mr. Allkin commented: “
When I became Chair of the ATC eight years ago, I learned a great deal about the translation industry from Liz Robertson. Together with her husband, Bob, they have been very active in the industry and influential in helping to shape and professionalise it. So, it’s an honour for Wolfestone to be entrusted with continuing and building upon the great work they have put into their company over 28 years.” The merger of Robertson Languages International with the Wolfestone Group presents many exciting opportunities for all three brands. Clients of Robertson Languages can expect to see their translations benefit from Wolfestone’s innovative technology and ability to handle both rare language and urgent translation requests as well as multimedia services through Wolfestone’s sister company VoiceBox. While for Wolfestone, having a presence in the language learning market will be a huge boost to the wide range of services already on offer. Since taking over the reins as Wolfestone’s managing director in 2015, Alex Parr has been key to the organisation’s success. Always with an eye to the future and opportunities for growth of the Wolfestone Group, Ms. Parr commented: “
It has long been our strategy to grow through expansion, and with Robertson Languages International, we found a company that has an amazing portfolio of customers and great people in the team. We’re looking forward to working together and continuing to grow both businesses.”
This acquisition was made possible with the support and guidance of HSBC, Broomfield & Alexander and Capital Law. To read more about this acquisition and the women who led it, click here.
