Focus Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of essential business technology to SMEs, has secured a significant investment from Hg, a leading investor in European and transatlantic software and services businesses. This partnership will support Focus Group's continued growth in the UK.
International legal practice Osborne Clarke advised Focus Group and its shareholders with a team led by Private Equity partners Mike Freer and Greg Leyshon. They were supported by an Osborne Clarke team including Associate Directors Leanne Wright and Mythri Reddy, Associates Oliver Wilson and Elizabeth Britchford and Trainee Solicitor Sophia Margetts (all Corporate / Private Equity). Specialist advice was provided by Legal Director Rebecca Scott and Associate Sarah Yeo (Finance), Partner Anika Chandra and Associate Maryam Khalifa (Incentives), Partner Mathew Oliver and Associate Director Jonny Squires (Corporate Tax), Partner Marc Shrimpling and Associate Joachim Piotrowski (Competition), Partner Nikki Worden and Associate Director Ben Player (Financial Regulatory), Partner Jon Fell and Senior Associate Matt Suter (Telecoms Regulatory), Associate Director Eleanor Williams and Associate Niall Shields (Commercial and Data Protection) and Partner Stuart Janaway (Private Client).
Founded in 2003 by Ralph Gilbert and Chris Goodman in Brighton & Hove, UK, Focus Group provides digital workplace solutions to around 30,000 SME customers. The company offers a single point of contact for the information technology needs of these clients, providing communications and software solutions, connectivity and value-added IT services.
It has been an absolute pleasure working with Osborne Clarke again. They supported our successful process in 2020, resulting in investment from Bowmark, and we had no hesitation in using them again.
Chris Goodman, Co-Founder of Focus Group, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure working with Osborne Clarke again. They supported our successful process in 2020, resulting in investment from Bowmark, and we had no hesitation in using them again. Mike, Greg and all the team worked tirelessly to get us the right outcome, both for us as founders but also for the wider shareholders and option-holders. Thank you Osborne Clarke, another great outcome. See you again in a few years for the next deal!”
It's been a privilege for all of us working with the team at Focus Group over the last five years, including advising on Bowmark's initial investment into the business in 2020.
Mike Freer said "It's been a privilege for all of us working with the team at Focus Group over the last five years, including advising on Bowmark's initial investment into the business in 2020. Their incredible culture, strong organic growth and impressive M&A track record really stands them apart. We're seeing a lot of activity in the ICT space, and Hg's investment really demonstrates the potential of the sector."
Greg Leyshon said "Focus is quite simply a fabulous business. Mike and I (and the team at Osborne Clarke) are so pleased to have been able to advise Focus on this deal with Hg, following the original deal with Bowmark."
Hg's investment will support Focus Group's organic growth plan, M&A ambitions and product development initiatives, enhancing its ability to deliver innovative solutions for the UK SME sector. Hg has made more than a dozen investments in SME Tech Services over two decades and this depth of expertise will support a valuable partnership for future growth.
Focus and Bowmark were also advised by Houlihan Lokey and PwC. Hg was advised by Arma Partners, Linklaters and EY.
Terms of the transaction are not disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.
Osborne Clarke also originally advised Focus Group on the sale of a significant minority stake to Bowmark, the mid-market private equity firm, in 2020.
Osborne Clarke’s Corporate team is considered a go-to practice for many companies in the tech, media and comms sectors, working with global businesses to fast-growth start-ups and market challengers. The team advises at every stage of company development across all corporate issues, from equity and debt fundraisings to M&A, IPOs and JVs.
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