Mon, 17 Feb 2025 | BUSINESS SALE
Digital transformation firm PUBLIC Group International Limited has been sold to Apax-backed employee-owned tech business Solita.
Specialising in the public sector, PUBLIC's clients include government organisations such as the UK Ministry of Defence, the NHS, the Department for Business and Trade, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and many local councils as well as supranational organisations such as NATO and the EU.
Headquartered in Finland, Solita is a technology, data and design company focused on digital transformation. It is owned by almost 700 of its employees and the Apax Digital Fund I, a technology focused growth equity fund advised by Apax Partners LLP.
Solita said that the acquisition would enhance its capabilities in strategic consulting, business design, software development, data, AI and analytics, managed cloud services and integration. PUBLIC will continue to operate as an independent entity within the Solita Group.
The Freeths team was led by corporate managing associate Edward Chapman, alongside corporate partners Emily Settle and Leon Arnold, corporate associates Harry Fraser, Ellie Harrison and Ben Treasure, corporate trainee Emily Beardsley and tax managing associate Alex Angelides.
Settle said: "It has been a privilege to work with the team at PUBLIC for many years across PUBLIC's transformation. The success of our long-term relationship is credit to the PUBLIC team (Alexander de Carvalho, Rona Harvey, Ryan Shea) working alongside our exceptional team at Freeths led by Ed Chapman and alongside our colleagues Kevin Poulter, Frank Suttie, Alex Angelides and Harry Fraser."
Ed Chapman said: "It was a pleasure to work with the shareholders of PUBLIC on their sale to Solita. The deal represents a significant opportunity for PUBLIC to expand its impact and continue its innovative work in the public sector working alongside like-minded professionals at Solita."
Commenting on the Freeths team, PUBLIC founder and CEO, Alexander de Carvalho, said: "I have deeply enjoyed working with Freeths on a number of complex transactions over the last five years. The team has never let us down and they once again proved their worth over the course of our negotiations with Solita. Smart, pragmatic, hard-working and relatable. You couldn't ask for more from a legal team."
Find out more about overseas interest in UK firms
This Huddersfield-based business offers innovative cloud-based problem-solving toolkits designed to enhance client growth, modernisation, and productivity.
This is a unique opportunity to acquire a UK multinational tech leader in the high-growth sector of AI-based online safety and threat detection, servicing national Governments and major social media platforms.
This well-established ERP software company offers a unique opportunity with its extensive suite of over 50 fully integrated modules, providing customisable solutions across diverse industries through a robust global partner network. With exclusive ri...
Please choose your settings for this site below. For more information please read our Cookie Policy
These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and provide you with access to all features.
These are analytics cookies that help us to improve the way our website works.
These are used to improve the functional performance of the website and make it easier for you to use.