Next year is shaping up to be a very strong year for M&A activity in the Knowledge Economy. In order to assist your preparation for 2021, take a look at our M&A Preview, in which we discuss the following eight key trends:
- The adoption of digital is accelerating
- Emerging technologies are being commercialised rapidly
- There is a convergence across the sector and delivery models are blending
- Private equity participation in the knowledge economy is increasing
- Next-generation technology platforms are emerging
- Vertical software solutions are playing an increasing role
- Buyers are returning to nearshore locations for access to new skills
- Shareholders are aligning expectations and addressing structural risks
December 2015
Equiteq, the consulting sector M&A specialist, is pleased to announce that its client, the innovative software testing consulting firm, The Test People (“TTP”), has merged with Centre4 Testing, a specialist provider of software testing services. Equiteq acted as exclusive financial adviser to TTP in relation to the transaction, which was completed on 14 December 2015. Livingbridge, the mid-market UK private equity firm, invested in Centre4 Testing in February this year and remains a major shareholder in the merged group.
After a successful relationship spanning many years, TTP and Centre4 Testing will merge to create the largest, fastest-growing, privately-owned software testing company based in the UK. The organisation now offers a 350+ strong, UK-based team, providing a seamless transition between on & offsite testing and first-class expertise in the fields of technical, automated and performance testing. With offices in Leeds, Manchester, London and Brighton, The Test People & Centre4 Testing can also offer clients an even greater local presence. The merged company will be led by Miles Worne, CEO Centre4 Testing, with existing directors from both companies combining to make an experienced leadership team. TTP Managing Director, Gav Winter, commented: “The Test People has always had the desire to become the UK market leader in software testing so we couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities that our combined organisation creates; to meet the increasing demands of our clients, offer even greater career development for our people and to really start to change the UK software testing industry for the better on a much larger scale.” Miles Worne, CEO of Centre4 Testing, added: “Our merger brings together two strong companies and two outstanding and highly compatible teams. In doing this we are creating the leading independent UK software testing company which can unlock the huge potential of our clients, our markets and the potential of our people.” Ed Groome, who led the deal team at Equiteq, said: "It was a pleasure working with Gav and his team on this transaction. The TTP shareholders have created a fantastic testing consultancy; merging with Centre4 Testing is the next step in that exciting journey. The enlarged business, with backing from Livingbridge, is well positioned for growth and set to consolidate its position as the UK’s leading software testing company." Speaking about Equiteq’s role in the transaction, Gav Winter added: "Equiteq’s appointment was driven by their specialism as an expert in growing and advising organisations like The Test People in the consulting space. Equiteq guided us through the process with a highly pragmatic and supportive approach, protecting us as individuals and ensuring the deal itself was done with the highest amount of collaboration possible”. To see all of our deals, please click here. ©Equiteq 2015