BC-based BackCheck acquired by Sterling Infosystems

Combined, the two companies have become the largest provider of background checking services operating in Canada and the United States

VANCOUVER, April 19, 2012 /CNW/ - BackCheck (Canada's largest provider of background checking services), and one of the largest providers of background checking in the United Kingdom, has been acquired by United States-based Sterling Infosystems. After receiving indications of interest from several global corporations, the Management and Board of Directors of Checkwell Solutions Corporation, parent company of BackCheck, made the decision to be acquired by Sterling Infosystems on the basis it brings together two market leaders to meet growing customer requirements on both sides of the border.

The combination of BackCheck and Sterling Infosystems creates the clear North American leader. According to Dave Dinesen, founder and CEO of BackCheck, "We have been asked countless times to provide services on a North American basis - so many companies have operations or talent pools on both sides of the border.  Together, we can deliver best in class background checking services for Canadian and American employers, without compromising the need for local sensitivity in the areas of privacy, legislative compliance, and data security.  Combined, we can offer more value, more technology innovation and improved access to services in North America as well as enhanced global background checking."

BackCheck, which employs over 400 people, has its head office in Surrey, BC and additional offices in Montreal, the UK and the Philippines. Dave Dinesen and the management team of BackCheck will remain unchanged and operations will continue as usual, including operating under the brand name "BackCheck."

William Greenblatt, founder and CEO of Sterling Infosystems says, "BackCheck and Sterling will bring together the strengths of two organizations that are leaders in their respective markets. Both organizations have a passion for excellence in customer service, and for innovating new products and technologies that help our customers meet their organizational goals.  Not only will we create a true North American leader, our complementary business units in Europe and Southeast Asia will combine to provide global service with local knowledge."

About BackCheck

BackCheck, founded in 1997, is Canada's largest provider of background checking services, and one of the largest providers of background checking in the United Kingdom.  Led by founder and CEO Dave Dinesen, BackCheck has for 15 years served nearly two thirds of the Financial Post 100, as well as thousands of Not-for-Profit organizations, medium and small businesses, and government.  The first company to deliver background check results securely online in Canada and to offer a completely online criminal record check, BackCheck has continued technology innovation with the goal of maintaining the highest security, greatest customer satisfaction, and delivering the fastest results. For more information on BackCheck, visit www.backcheck.ca.

BackCheck was supported through this acquisition by investment bankers Agentis Capital and the law firm of Fasken Martineau.

About Sterling Infosystems, Inc

Sterling Infosystems, Inc., founded in 1975, is one of the largest background checking companies in the world with an international presence known for industry leading turn-around-time, customer service and expertise in customizing solutions for industry specific needs.  Sterling offers a broad range of services, including employment-screening services, corporate due diligence, background investigation services, occupational health services, and employment-related business tax consulting in the United States and in over 200 countries and territories around the world.  With a decade as one of the fastest growing background checking companies, Sterling has 11,000+ clients that range from leading Fortune 500 firms to small and medium sized businesses and Not-for-Profit organizations.  For additional information, visit www.sterlinginfosystems.com.

Photos available upon request:

• Dave Dinesen, President & CEO, BackCheck
• BackCheck head office in Surrey, BC

Press contacts for BackCheck:

Dan Madge
Fleishman-Hillard Communications
[email protected]
416-645-8188

Jeremy Twigg
Fleishman-Hillard Communications
[email protected]
604-688-2505

Press contact for Sterling:

Kirsten Adams
[email protected]
212-736-5100