Cast & Crew Acquires U.K. Payroll Firm

Entertainment accounting firm Cast & Crew has acquired Sargent-Disc, a United Kingdom-based provider of payroll and accounting software for film and television clients, for an undisclosed amount. The Burbank firm is working to buy its way to the top of Hollywood’s financial services market. This is the company’s fifth acquisition in the last four years and its first since being purchased by equity investment fund EQT VIII in December. In addition to its standard accounting and production software, Cast & Crew will receive Sargent-Disc’s Crewstart, Digital Purchase Order and SD Production Card solutions. Cast & Crew Chief Executive Eric Belcher said the buyout of Sargent-Disk will smooth his company’s entry into the U.K. and other international markets. “Sargent-Disc is a family-owned company with integrity, expertise and an excellent reputation for customer service and cutting-edge solutions tailored to U.K. and international productions. Not only are we excited about the commercial prospects, but we truly value our alignment with Sargent-Disc in terms of our shared values, corporate culture and vision for the rapid technological transformation of our industry,” Belcher said in a statement. “A critical component of the growth plan is international expansion,” echoed EQT partner Kasper Knokgaard. Sargent-Disk will continue doing business as its own name, and all current staff will be retained at its headquarters in Beaconsfield. Directors Laurence and Lara Sargent will continue to oversee operations. Cast & Crew was represented by the law firm of Latham & Watkins LLP. Sargent-Disc was represented by Harbottle & Lewis LLP.