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
Nov 2014
Equiteq and Corbett Keeling are pleased to announce the sale of their client, Challenge Energy to international environmental consultancy group SLR. In the deal, completed on 3rd November 2014, SLR acquired all the shares of Challenge Energy and the transaction included the merger of the existing UK based SLR upstream team with Challenge Energy.
Equiteq is a consulting sector merger and acquisition specialist, providing both growth advisory and M&A transaction services to the global consulting and IT services industry. Challenge Energy was founded in 1997 and since that time established itself as a leading provider of integrated upstream oil and gas solutions globally. In combining forces with SLR’s existing UK oil and gas team, Challenge Energy has further strengthened its offering of integrated services across the upstream oil and gas value chain, and at the same time, gained access to SLR’s wider global oil and gas offering including environmental and regulatory compliance. Commenting on the growth and sale process, Nick Hooke. co-founder of Challenge Energy, said ‘The advisory team at Equiteq / Corbett Keeling provided crucial input both prior to and during this transaction. Over about two years up to closing the deal, they advised on how to make the value of our business clear to prospective partners and then deal with their approaches. This helped us attract the right company, at the right time for the right price. In the final months, during the sale process itself, they provided invaluable input on how to present to, and negotiate with, the purchasers. Throughout, they were always available when needed, working diligently and providing incisive, timely advice. ‘This is an exciting time for the Challenge Energy team. We have enjoyed significant growth in recent years and established ourselves as one of the few upstream oil and gas advisors that can offer clients a truly integrated service. Working with SLR’s resources and global reach will enable us to strengthen and extend our service offering, something we feel our clients can really benefit from'. SLR’s CEO Neil Penhall added: 'Our acquisition approach is to select complementary businesses that provide supplementary expertise and strengthen our global offering. Like SLR, Challenge prides itself on offering an integrated service that delivers value-added insight and solutions to clients.' To see all of our deals, please click here. ©Equiteq Ltd 2014