We are thrilled to announce a pivotal moment in Worthington Clark’s 40-year history: the company was acquired in July 2023 by a group of investors led by Simon Bligh. This acquisition, which was reported by the Australian Financial Review (AFR) on 11 July 2023, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, set to elevate Worthington Clark’s services and expand its reach globally.
The acquisition, which saw Simon Bligh step into the role of Chief Executive Officer, brings significant investment in data, technology, and processes, to enhance Worthington Clark’s capabilities, including more efficiently and effectively reuniting individuals and businesses with lost or unclaimed assets.
“I am incredibly excited to lead Worthington Clark into this new era,” said Simon Bligh. “Worthington Clark has a remarkable legacy built on trust and a deep commitment to its clients. Our investment group recognised the potential to build upon this foundation, leveraging advanced technology and operational improvements to deliver even greater value to our customers worldwide.”
Prior to leading the acquisition of Worthington Clark, Simon Bligh held leadership positions, including CEO of illion, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Data Officer of Veda, and Chief Financial Officer of Sydney Airport. His extensive experience in data, infrastructure, and telecommunications, spanning over 30 years across Australia and Europe, will be instrumental in driving Worthington Clark’s growth and innovation.
This strategic acquisition underscores the growing importance of professional asset recovery services in an increasingly complex financial landscape. As highlighted in the AFR article, this move signifies a significant development in the unclaimed assets sector. With new leadership and enhanced resources, Worthington Clark is well-positioned to continue its mission of restoring wealth and uncovering family histories for thousands of clients globally.
We look forward to sharing more updates on our progress and the positive impact of these exciting developments in the months and years to come.
For more details on the acquisition, refer to the Australian Financial Review article: ‘Ex-illion boss’s start-up buys reunification biz Worthington Clarke’
