ICON Communication Centres s.r.o (ICON), an award-winning provider of multilingual contact centre solutions, is pleased to announce its purchase by CEE Communication s.r.o. The new parent company is tasked with driving innovative customer acquisition strategies supported by compelling governance and call centre experience to realise ICON’s full potential.
CEE Communication s.r.o brings together ESPIRA Investments (ESPIRA) and ICON’s executive management team for a 100% shareholding of ICON.
The fusion of ICON’s exceptional team of nearly 300 outstanding professionals along with the financial and network resources of ESPIRA provides a strong foundation for the company’s future development. “We have immense respect for Helen and her team, and we are pleased to join forces with them to build the future of ICON. We will be working together to achieve ICON’s core objective of providing the highest quality of service to its growing network of clients,” said Emilia Mamajova, a partner of ESPIRA Investments.
ESPIRA’s strategy includes investing in companies managed by balanced teams of men and women. “We seek exceptional managers who successfully lead their business and maintain enthusiasm for further growth. ICON’s Managing Director, Helen Hickin, has thirty years of industry experience and inexhaustible energy – traits that positively fulfil our criteria,” remarked Andrea Ferancova Bartonova, a partner of ESPIRA Investments.
ICON’s operational management will continue with its executive team, strengthened by a Supervisory Board that will be established for strategic oversight with respect to growth and client acquisition. Industry expert Eric Ignoul is set to join the Supervisory Board of CEE Communication s.r.o. As a centre owner and board member for some of Europe’s most successful centre locations, his expertise will underpin a refreshed and reenergised technique of growing ICON’s business footprint.
Eric Ignoul said, “After spending time embedded with the ICON team, it’s clear that an impressive technology portfolio and talented pool of leaders and colleagues truly set the site apart. I am delighted by this opportunity.”
Existing clients will benefit from both the stability that comes with the continued expertise of ICON’s executive management team and the robust financial support from the new parent company. ICON will maintain its core operations in Prague and undertake appropriate expansion as new opportunities arise.
“CEE Communication represents a depth of industry experience set to unleash ‘The ICON Advantage’ on the global outsourcing market.”, stated Helen Hickin.
ICON Communications Centres s.r.o specialises in tailor-made outsourcing solutions that deliver leading communication strategies to connect global brands with local customers. With sixteen years’ experience, ICON provide superior service across a vast range of outsourcing responsibilities. Based in Prague, clients take advantage of ICON’s competitive price point, access to native-level multilingual talent, and location. ICON’s executive management team comprises Helen Hickin, Mark Matthews, and Jirí Kratochvil.
ESPIRA Investments is a private equity firm that invests in small and medium-sized businesses in Central Europe. ESPIRA looks for entrepreneurs who successfully lead their business and maintain enthusiasm for further growth. The ESPIRA’s philosophy is to be a value-add partner for entrepreneurs providing not only capital but also managerial support enabling them to fulfil their business dreams. Investors in ESPIRA’s fund include the European Investment Fund, the founding partners of ESPIRA, family offices, well-respected local entrepreneurs and a mix of local and international investors.