Being Acquired
We're not your traditional acquirer of software businesses.
Retail & Sports Systems (R&SS), now Jonas Sports, was established in 2009 as a self-funded venture. Specialising in omni-channel retail systems tailored for the professional sports industry, the company quickly became a trusted partner to some of the UK’s leading football and rugby clubs, including Brighton & Hove Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Coventry City.
Despite its success, R&SS faced growing challenges of scalability. Managing Director Richard Waltham shouldered a wide range of responsibilities, from system design and sales to HR, accounts, and legal processes. It became clear that change was necessary to sustain growth and balance the workload.
In late 2019, the R&SS Board of Directors evaluated two key options: restructuring internally or selling the business. After being approached by Vesta’s Group CEO, Richard Clancy, the decision was made to join the Vesta family.
Vesta’s ethos resonated with R&SS:
The acquisition was finalised in December 2019, just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the unexpected lockdown brought challenges, we were able to support the team who adapted quickly to remote working, ensuring business continuity.
Post-acquisition, Richard Waltham transitioned to Head of Business Development, focusing on strategic growth. A new Business Unit Leader was appointed to oversee day-to-day operations, enabling a seamless leadership transition.
Upon joining Vesta, R&SS became part of a broader community of companies serving the sports retail market. We decided to unite their individual strengths under one banner: Jonas Sports.
Jonas Sports now offers a complete sports enterprise solution, empowering sports clubs and organisations to transform how they use data and insights. Leveraging innovative technologies, Jonas Sports helps clubs engage fans, improve operational efficiencies, and maximise revenue potential.
Five years on, I can confidently say that joining Vesta was the right decision. Everything that was promised has come to fruition. The company has not only grown but evolved into something far greater, while still holding true to its original vision.
