Wilmington history
Since floating on the London Stock Exchange in 1995, Wilmington has grown to become a dynamic digital-first portfolio, focused on the Governance, Risk and Compliance markets.
2024
Wilmington is repositioned as a single platform supporting a number of brands which focus on individual verticals. This followed a series of strategic divestitures, including the sale of Wilmington’s European healthcare information businesses in the first half of the year.
2023
Wilmington entered the health, safety and environmental training market through the acquisition of Astutis.
2021
Wilmington announced the simplification of its portfolio into two new operating divisions: Intelligence and Training & Education, to reflect its focus on the large and growing Governance Risk and Compliance and Regulatory Compliance markets.
2019
Mark Milner joined the Board on 1 July 2019 as CEO. Mark joined Wilmington from Daily Mail and General Trust plc where he held a number of senior roles including Chief Executive Officer of its property information division from 2013 to 2018.
2017
In February 2017 Wilmington completed the acquisition of HSJ, the UK’s pre-eminent health information, insight and networking business. It added further strength to Wilmington Healthcare, and enabled the combined group to provide unparalleled services into the NHS and private vendor space through information, learning and events. In December Wilmington moved into its new London head office.
2016
In July the company strengthened its offering to accountants through the acquisition of SWAT UK, which was subsequently incorporated with Mercia. This acquisition enhanced the range of innovative solutions available to accountancy professionals to help them stay ahead of ever-changing regulations and technology developments.
2015
The company grew its North American presence and healthcare portfolio by acquiring Financial Research Associates LLC (FRA), based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
2014
Pedro Ros is appointed CEO. In the Financial Results for the six months ended 31 December 2014 he announced the completion of a re-organisation, appointing Divisional Directors 'to support the adoption of our new knowledge-based business model.'
2013
Wilmington added to its international footprint in North America by acquiring Compliance Week, based in Boston. The acquisition strengthened Wilmington's offerings in risk and compliance.
2012
The formation of Wilmington Shared Services consolidated support functions across the company’s operating infrastructure including finance, HR and technology.
2010
Wilmington announced its acquisition of Axco Insurance Information Service, described by then CEO Charlie Brady as ‘the latest step in our plan to build a world class, international, compliance and regulatory information and training business.’
2007
Wilmington sold its trade magazines in non-core markets including design, construction, power and catering; signalling a move away from businesses heavily reliant on advertising revenues.
2001
Wilmington created International Compliance Association (ICA) in response to growing importance of compliance regulation in financial institutions. The ICA has grown to become a leading association and education provider in this sector with offices and training worldwide.
2000
Binley’s, the UK market leader in the provision of healthcare data and market-intelligence services, was another significant acquisition; signalling the group’s growing appetite for information-provision services. Binley's has since become an integral part of Wilmington Healthcare.
1995
Wilmington plc floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1995. The business was structured into two operating divisions: Wilmington Publishing and Waterlow Information Services Ltd; its primary focus was specialised publishing in a variety of B2B industries.