Harbor Ridge Capital Advises Core Business Solutions on its Acquisition by LRQA, a Portfolio Company of Goldman Sachs
LRQA has announced the acquisition of Core Business Solutions Inc (CBS), a strategic move that will strengthen its position in the market and broaden its service offerings, particularly to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
CBS, a US-based provider of advisory services and software for Quality Management Systems (QMS) certification, brings digital tools that simplify and streamline the compliance process. With a focus on cybersecurity, environmental, and IT standards, CBS will enable LRQA to offer enhanced digital solutions that help clients manage compliance more efficiently and meet rapidly changing regulations, such as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
This acquisition strengthens LRQA’s existing portfolio, complementing its existing digital tools such as the EiQ supply chain intelligence software, positioning the company as a digitally enabled risk management partner for clients seeking comprehensive solutions to navigate complex regulatory environments.
In addition to CBS, LRQA has also acquired CertFast, a certification provider specializing in ISO certification for SMEs. CertFast focuses on making ISO certification more accessible to SMEs by offering both onsite and virtual audits. This acquisition highlights LRQA’s ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of smaller businesses, ensuring they have affordable, flexible and expert-led solutions to achieve ISO standards. By joining forces, LRQA will provide SMEs with the tools and support they need to grow with confidence while maintaining the same high standards of service enjoyed by larger enterprises.
Ian Spaulding, CEO of LRQA, said:
“Both of these acquisitions are a clear demonstration of our commitment to expanding our reach and better serving the growing needs of SMEs. By bringing CBS and CertFast into the LRQA family, we’re enhancing our ability to offer tailored, technology-driven solutions that empower businesses of all sizes. As market dynamics evolve, we’re excited to provide both large enterprises and SMEs with the expertise and tools they need to turn compliance into a strategic advantage.”
Scott Dawson, CEO and Founder of CBS, commented:
“The integration of Core Business Solutions into LRQA enhances our ability to combine certification expertise with innovative digital tools, helping businesses turn compliance into a competitive advantage. At Core Business Solutions we specialize in supporting small businesses, understanding their unique needs and challenges. This partnership empowers us to deliver tailored solutions and drive success in Quality Management Systems and Cyber certification alongside our new colleagues at LRQA.”
These acquisitions are part of LRQA’s broader growth strategy, which aims to respond to shifting market demands by delivering innovative solutions that help businesses not only meet regulatory requirements but also turn them into opportunities for growth.
LRQA’s continued focus on digital transformation, alongside its deep expertise in risk management, will ensure that clients can manage their compliance needs efficiently while staying ahead of industry changes and the increasingly complex regulatory environment.
Harbor Ridge Capital (HRC) served as the exclusive financial advisor to Core Business Solutions in connection with this transaction. Regarding CBS’ experience with HRC, Scott Dawson, the CEO of CBS, commented:
"When we set out on the journey to find the right financial partner for Core Business Solutions, we knew we needed expert guidance to navigate the complexities of the process. Harbor Ridge Capital proved to be exactly that and more. Their strategic insight, market expertise, and hands-on approach were instrumental in helping us identify the right partner, structure the deal effectively, and ultimately achieve a successful transaction with LRQA.
From the very beginning, their team took the time to understand our goals, ensuring that we not only maximized value but also found a partner aligned with our company’s mission and future growth. Their professionalism, persistence, and ability to manage every detail of the transaction gave us confidence at every step.
We couldn’t have asked for a better advisory team. I highly recommend Harbor Ridge Capital to any business owner looking for a dedicated, knowledgeable, and results-driven investment banking partner.”
About LRQA
LRQA is the leading global assurance partner, bringing together decades of unrivaled expertise in assessment, advisory, inspection, and cybersecurity services. Our solutions-based partnerships are supported by data-driven insights that help our clients solve their biggest business challenges.
Operating in more than 160 countries with a team of more than 6,000 people, LRQA’s award-winning compliance, supply chain, cybersecurity and ESG specialists help more than 61,000 clients across almost every sector to anticipate, mitigate and manage risk wherever they operate. In everything we do, we are committed to shaping a better future for our people, our clients, our communities and our planet.
About CBS
CBS creates expert, innovative, simplified ISO management system solutions for American small businesses. Core Business Solutions provides Quality Management System and Cyber consulting and auditing-related services to help our customers learn, grow, and succeed— regardless of experience, location, or industry. We also assist organizations in preparing for appraisals/certification for CMMI, NIST/CMMC, SOC 2, and more. Our unique approach combines a simplified, web-based platform with hands-on help from professional consultants.
About Harbor Ridge Capital
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Los Angeles, Harbor Ridge Capital (HRC) is a premier M&A advisory boutique with domain expertise and a focus on technology-driven companies in the lower middle market. Our clients are typically high-growth, bootstrapped businesses with revenue between $10-75 million or ARR of $5-40 million. We guide companies through complex strategic transactions such as acquisitions and raising capital from institutional investors. Our partners have collectively closed 69 transactions representing $2.3 billion of value.