Case Study

Capella Solutions Group

Client Overview

Capella Solutions Group is an international manufacturer and distributor of refinishing paint products and aerosol solutions for the automotive, industrial, and decorative markets. Founded in 1991 as a family business serving local body shops from the back of a van, the company has grown into a globally recognized brand, selling millions of aerosols annually.

Headquartered in the UK with operations in Sheerness, England and Chicago, Illinois, Capella Solutions has expanded its footprint worldwide with distributors across Canada, the Caribbean, Australia and the United States. The company is best known for its ProXL aerosol range launched in 2008 to help body shops complete tasks faster without compromising quality.

Business Challenge

In 2017, Capella Solutions entered the US market working with distributors only. Over an eight-year time span and as part of its growth strategy, the company made the decision to establish and actively increase its US presence. This expansion involved hiring employees on visa, opening a US office and warehouse, and implementing payroll and operational infrastructure.

This growth strategy introduced several business challenges:

  • Navigating the complex differences between UK and US tax and accounting systems and processes
  • Understanding multi-state tax and regulatory requirements
  • Ensuring the business was compliant and effectively structuring its cross-border operations from day one
  • Managing personal tax planning for a member of the leadership team relocating to the US

Capella needed an accounting partner with deep and proven expertise in both UK and US markets to support a compliant and efficient market expansion and its long-term operations.

Why Capella Solutions Group Chose DY USA

Recommended by a trusted peer, DY USA was selected for its specialized cross-border expertise and practical approach to help the company address the current issues it faced and would face throughout its evolution and growth. DY USA’s ability to clearly explain both US and UK accounting and tax implications made a complex expansion across the Atlantic seem easier to manage.

A key differentiator, and just as important, was Rob Whittall’s experience as a fellow business owner, which allowed him to provide practical, real-world guidance — not just technical compliance advice — through every step in the process. Capella felt assured that their expansion would be managed correctly, efficiently and strategically.

The DY USA Solution

DY USA provided comprehensive cross-border advisory support, helping Capella Solutions confidently establish and grow its US operations.

DY USA provided comprehensive support tailored to Capella’s cross-border needs, including:

  • Guidance on US entity formation and regulatory reporting requirements
  • Ongoing US tax compliance and UK tax planning, multi-state tax complexity considerations and tax efficient cross-border structuring to support long-term growth
  • Support with personal tax planning for executive relocation to the US
  • Clear, proactive communication to simplify complex UK–US tax and accounting issues

Rob Whittall, Julie Koschik and the DY USA team played key roles in keeping Capella organized, informed and on track as its US operations scaled.

Results

With DY USA’s support, Capella Solutions successfully established its US operations and continues to grow. Key outcomes include:

  • Improved clarity around tax obligations and regulatory requirements
  • A trusted advisory relationship supporting both business and personal UK-US tax needs
  • Peace of mind knowing the business is compliant across both UK and US jurisdictions
  • Leadership confidence in cross-border decision-making and accountancy processes
  • Ability to focus on expanding the brand in a new market without administrative uncertainty

Acting as a collaborator and strategic extension of the leadership team, DY USA delivered reliable guidance grounded in technical expertise and real-world business experience, ensuring the business remains compliant and prepared for continued growth.

Company Snapshot

Company name

Capella Solutions Group

Nature of business / industry

Provides refinishing paint products and aerosol solutions to the Automotive, Industrial and Decorative markets.

Main product

Aerosols

Customers

Distributors or Jobber stores

Locations

Sheerness, England and Chicago, Illinois

Website

www.capellasolutionsgroup.com

I’m very pleased with the relationship we’ve developed with DY USA. The team obviously knows what they are doing and communicates clear and practical guidance for handling UK-US business and personal taxes. DY USA’s ability to fully address the cross-border taxes our company faces plus the guidance Rob provides based on his firsthand experience as a fellow business owner have been invaluable.

Jim Bruce

Managing Director, Capella Solutions Group, Sheerness, England / Chicago, Illinois

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