The ACS Debt Collection Story

Founder Legacy and Current Ownership

ACS Debt Collection (Accelerated Collection Services) was founded by Sonia Pellegrini (Ferlauto), who built the business from the ground up with just $1,000, strong determination, and a clear vision. She launched ACS from the spare room of her family home and grew it into a nationally recognised debt collection agency.

From the beginning, Sonia set out to change the way debt collection operated. At a time when the industry

was widely perceived as aggressive and male-dominated, she introduced a more professional, respectful, and outcomes-focused approach. As a result, ACS developed a reputation for being firm on debts and fair with people.

Sonia’s leadership, industry experience, and ethical standards established the foundations that ACS continues to operate on today.

Building a Different Kind of Debt Collection Agency

During her tenure, Sonia recognised that clear communication, empathy, and professionalism delivered stronger recovery outcomes while preserving client relationships. Consequently, she built a progressive team culture and actively supported women in business, including mentoring and leadership roles.

Over time, ACS became a multiple award-winning debt collection agency, recognised for innovation, professionalism, and results. Sonia’s work attracted national exposure through print media, television, business publications, and industry workshops.

She also held several senior and regulatory roles, including:

  • Mentor for Women in Business
  • NSW President for three years of the Institute of Mercantile Agents Ltd
  • Holder of a Master Licence as a Commercial and Private Inquiry Agent covering debt collection, process serving, and investigations
  • Justice of the Peace

These credentials reinforced ACS’s reputation for compliance, credibility, and lawful debt recovery.

Current Ownership and Leadership – Mark Mathews of ABC Mercantile Pty Ltd 

ACS Debt Collection is now owned by ABC Mercantile Pty Ltd and is managed its Director Mark Mathews, who has taken custodianship of the business and continues to build on the strong foundations established by its founder.

Under Mark’s ownership, ACS has evolved into a modern, performance-driven debt recovery agency, combining decades of industry knowledge with updated systems, reporting, compliance frameworks, and client communication standards.

Mark brings extensive experience across debt collection operations, client management, compliance, and commercial recovery strategy. His focus is on:

  • Delivering measurable recovery outcomes
  • Maintaining strict compliance with ASIC and ACCC Debt Collection Guidelines
  • Improving transparency, reporting, and client visibility
  • Protecting client brands and long-term relationships
  • Scaling results across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Australia-wide

Continuity, Experience, and Trust

Today, ACS Debt Collection reflects the best of both worlds:
the proven foundations, credibility, and ethics established by its founder, combined with current ownership focused on performance, accountability, and results.

Under Mark Mathews’ leadership, ACS continues to operate as a trusted Australian debt collection agency, delivering professional, ethical, and effective debt recovery for businesses nationwide.