Private equity investments in the credit sector are paying off, it would seem, as four firms within the sector have made it onto the new Buyout Track 100.

The survey, compiled by Deloitte and The Sunday Times, has credit risk company Callcredit as the second-fastest growing private equity-backed firm in the UK. Callcredit had annual sales of £49.3m for the last latest available year, bringing in a profit of £9.9m, which is a 173 per cent leap on the previous year.

Leeds-based Callcredit, which is backed by Vitruvian Partners, was second to Investcorp-based online payment provider Moneybrookers in the table.

Callcredit was one of four credit market players to figure in the table, with enforcement company Bridgman Group the second-highest ranked in 57th. Lowell Group saw a slow-down in its growth during the past year. Despite posting a 34 per cent growth rate (down from 120 per cent in the previous rankings), the company fell from 2nd position in the 2009 table to 78th in 2010. Finally, 1st Credit was 97th.

The figures will make interesting reading for the market as they illustrate the fast growth rate of businesses that receive backing from private equity firms.

Callcredit
Sales: £49m
Profit: £9.9m
Growth: +173%
Backer: Vitruvian

Bridgman
Sales:£26.1m
Profit:£3.9m
Growth: +44.4%
Backer: Gresham

Lowell*
Sales: £46.8m
Profit: £24.1m
Growth: +34.4%
Backer: Exponent

1st Credit
Sales: £80.1m
Profit: £31.7m
Growth: +29.8%
Backer: Bridgepoint

Announced from: 'Credit Today Online'