Bristol-based Buffalo Fundraising Consultants, which specialises in helping charities and arts groups increase donations, has been acquired by the world’s largest operator in the fast-growing sector.
Buffalo, launched 10 years, has raised millions of pounds for more than 150 major clients in the education, arts, health and sport sectors including UWE, Oxford and Cambridge universities, Dulwich College, Bristol’s Tobacco Factory and Bristol Zoo Gardens and the Liverpool Philharmonic. 
Its acquisition by US-based RuffaloCODY represents the Iowa-headquartered group’s first entry into the expanding UK market supporting non-profit organisations’ ‘regular giving programmes’. RuffaloCODY bosses said they had spent a long time researching the UK market to find the best suitable partner and Buffalo provided a perfect fit.
Buffalo, which employs 20 people at its Clifton headquarters, has become one of the UK’s leading consultancies in phone fundraising campaigns working on telephone-based campaigns to encourage regular donations as well as working with clients on maximising the effectiveness of their databases, donor stewardship and providing advice on strategies for regular giving.
RuffaloCODY was founded in 1991 and serves nearly 1,000 institutions in higher education and what it calls high-affinity, non-profit organisations around the globe. It has developed sophisticated direct marketing platforms and expertise that encourage regular donations, including on-site and off-site ‘phonathon’ management and software, crowdfunding technology and consultation.
It operates from bases in North America, Australia and Singapore.
No financial details of the acquisition have been released.
Buffalo managing director Ed Lang said: “I’m really excited about the next chapter in Buffalo’s history.
“Although the day-to-day running of Buffalo will not change, we’ll now be able to draw on the added resources that RuffaloCODY is able to provide.
“RuffaloCODY is the largest regular giving company in the world which means our clients will now be able to tap into the new ideas, innovative strategies and latest trends that RuffaloCODY brings to this partnership. Over the coming years, Buffalo will continue to expand and develop the regular giving services we offer our clients, so that we become regarded as the one-stop shop for all regular giving solution.”
RuffaloCODY president and CEO Duane Jasper said: “The team at Buffalo Fundraising Consultants brings a unique understanding and strong knowledge of fundraising in the United Kingdom.
“While considering a partner in the UK, our analysis revealed Buffalo to be the best fit – in terms of values, people, and services – for our goals and mission. This acquisition and the combined effort of our two groups will significantly expand our presence and reach in English-speaking markets.”
Sarah Kleeberger, president of RuffaloCODY fundraising management division, added: “We’ve spent a significant amount of time researching the UK market, looking at firms that offer similar fundraising management services.
“That process brought us to Buffalo, and we couldn’t be more excited about the skills, experience and general approach to philanthropy that Ed Lang and his team of 20 staff bring to the table. With a reputation of delivering both results and high quality client service, Buffalo is a great fit for our organisation.”
Buffalo was advised by Bristol law firm Veale Wasbrough Vizards (VWV). Partner Anthony Young, who worked on the transaction with Dan Whitewood, said: “It was a pleasure working with Ed and his Buffalo management team. They have built a strong business, and with the resources and added experience of RuffaloCODY behind them there are fantastic opportunities ahead.”
