Osborne Clarke advises leading European equity management platform Capdesk on its acquisition by US equity unicorn Carta

Osborne Clarke has advised Europe's leading equity management solution, Capdesk and its shareholders on its acquisition by Silicon Valley-based global equity ownership management platform, Carta.

The acquisition is founded on Capdesk and Carta’s shared vision of building a truly global ownership platform that enables more ownership, fairer terms and more access to equity in private companies while freeing founders, investors and employees from outdated, manual processes. Capdesk's significant expertise and unique understanding of equity within European markets, combined with Carta's products and services, will support the shared goal of democratising ownership in private companies and equip businesses worldwide to scale without borders.

Osborne Clarke's team was led by Partner Mathias Loertscher who was supported by Associate Laurence Nelson, Associate Director Ed Nisbet and Trainee Solicitor Ali Greig. The team also included Partner Anika Chandra (incentives); Partner Mathew Oliver and Senior Associate Jonny Musty (tax); Legal Director Clare Bowles and Associate Isobel Turner (employment); and Partner Marc Shrimpling (competition). 

Greg Carter, CFO at Capdesk, commented: "We’re delighted that the Osborne Clarke team helped deliver a great outcome for all stakeholders.  The sale had a wide range of structuring, tax, incentives and employment issues, across multiple jurisdictions, which Mathias and his team solved with patience, pragmatism and pace."

Osborne Clarke's Tech Transactions practice works with tech-focused clients ranging from fast-growth market challengers to established global enterprises across a range of corporate transactions. The team advises at every stage of a company's journey, from equity and debt fundraisings to M&A, IPOs and other strategic transactions.