Tue, 20 Jan 2026 | BUSINESS SALE
A provider of space planning and survey services to UK retailers has completed an acquisition in a deal supported by an £8.3 million facility from Shawbrook. Norfolk-based Forma Innovations, which is backed by private equity firm Tern Capital, has acquired County Durham firm Sofco.
The acquisition enables Forma Innovations to provide its retail clients with an end-to-end offering and a unified platform. Sofco specialises in global demand and supply chain planning and, for more than 25 years, has worked with blue-chip clients from across the UK, Europe and the US.
Sofco CEO Keith Noble commented: "Joining Forma is a pivotal step for Sofco – unlocking the scale, resources, and innovative drive of a larger group.”
"With Forma's backing, the business is well positioned to deliver even greater value to customers through integrated demand and supply planning solutions that meet the ever-evolving needs of global retailers and manufacturers."
Mark Thompson, an Operating Partner at Tern Capital, which initially invested in Forma Innovations in 2023, said: "This acquisition expands our supply chain software capabilities, further strengthening the value we can deliver to our customers as we continue in our mission to advance innovation and raise the bar for excellence in retail technology."
Tom Llewellyn-Lloyd, principal of Tern, added: "This acquisition marks a significant step in our growth journey. By leveraging Shawbrook's funding, we were able to execute swiftly and efficiently, integrating Sofco's expertise with our own to better serve our customers."
Shawbrook Senior Director John Palmer stated that Forma Innovations “exemplifies disciplined strategic growth”, adding that the acquisition of Sofco “is a perfect example of their focus on enhanced services for the retail sector.”
Palmer continued: "Our facilities are designed to empower forward-thinking companies like Forma, enabling them to act decisively in a dynamic market environment."
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