Symmetry Advises RQA Group on their sale to an Employee Ownership Trust

Symmetry have advised the shareholders of RQA Group on the sale of the business to an Employee Ownership Trust.

This move reflects RQA’s commitment to it’s people, culture and long term stability, ensuring that all of their employees share in the benefits of the continued growth and success of the business.

Symmetry provided key services to implement the process, including advising the directors on how EOTs work, HMRC expectations, setting out the key terms & valuation mechanics, long term balance sheet forecasting and managing the process throughout.

Vince Shiers, Managing Director of RQA commented:

“This is an important milestone for the company and one that we believe is a positive step for everyone connected with RQA.

For our employees, it means they will now have a real stake in the future of the business, with a stronger voice in how we grow and develop. This reflects the company’s strong people focused culture and underlines its status as a unique consultancy in product recall, crisis management and product risk.

For our clients, it ensures complete continuity, stability and the same high quality, responsive service you have always relied on us for. In fact, you will have the knowledge that all our employees now have a vested interest in the success of the company and will strive even harder to exceed your expectations.

For our partners and suppliers, it provides long term assurance and stability that we remain a reliable, trusted and values driven partner. With a continually growing business we will be looking to engage with you even more.

I am excited that we are making this move. Selling our shares to the trust fixes the company’s independence and completely avoids the inevitable uncertainty linked with a sale to a third party. It ensures uninterrupted high standards and our commitment to our clients while recognising the vital contribution of our employees. I will

remain as MD for the long term and will continue to provide guidance and support to the business, clients and colleagues alike.

This change is about building for the future, building further on the company’s culture, protecting our values and ensuring that our success is shared with the people who make it possible every day.

Jonathan & the Symmetry team were instrumental to the process, from setting out what to expect, all the necessary financial modelling and working with legal partners to smooth the pathway to a successful completion.”

October 2025