Trends You Can Trust | Cyber Security
Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Trends You Can Trust | Cyber Security Acquisition Strategy, Strategic review, Technology December 2, 2025 Evolution Capital’s Head of Intelligence, Fraser Dixon, kicks this year off with an informed and current overview of the Cyber-Security sub-sector. The ICT and Technology sector saw unexpected stability throughout the pandemic, likely resulting from an influx of interest from buyers and investors who have historically focused on the Travel, Leisure and Retail industries. Join us for our latest series; Trends you can Trust, for fortnightly analysis of current sub-sectors of the ICT space. Why not subscribe to our YouTube channel once you’ve watched the video? That way you won’t miss any of our analysis of this ever-changing landscape. Evolution Capital have spent over 20 years providing expert advice and sector analysis for our clients, enabling our team to deliver outstanding outcomes for shareholders and management teams. Our market analysts work meticulously to develop an intelligence-based and educated landscape of the subsectors within the ICT and technology spaces. If you would like to know more about how we could help you with exit or growth opportunities, unlock hidden value or advise you on how to grow your business to achieve its maximum value, simply contact info@evolutioncapital.com or call 0203 696 2810. More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Categories Acquired (2) Acquisition (8) Acquisition Strategy (21) Analytic Services (3) Blog (22) Business Acquisition (1) Business Aquired (2) Business Sale (23) Business Valuation and Research (1) Buy-Side (1) Buy-side M&A advice (1) Buyside M&A (3) Case Studies (59) Disposal (5) Financial Due Diligence (2) Fund raising and listing (1) Fundraising and M&A advice (2) ICT (2) IT (2) IT Managed Services (2) IT MSP (1) M&A Managed Buy and Build Programme (5) Managed Service and Mobile (1) Managed Services (2) MBO Management Buyout (1) Media (1) Merger (1) Multiple R&D Tax Claims (1) Sell-Side (2) Sell-side M&A Advice (1) Software (1) Strategic review & business sale (1) Strategic Review & partial sale (1) Technology (6) Telecoms (30) Telephony (1) Transaction Support (1) Unified Comms (3) Valuation and fundraising (1) Social Media Our Blog Related Articles View all blog posts Acquisition Strategy, Blog Trends You Can Trust | Cyber Security December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Outstanding outcomes in Kenya December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Acora completes Veber acquisition during the pandemic December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Acora completes Veber acquisition during the pandemic December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Acora completes Veber acquisition during the pandemic December 2, 2025 What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What types of companies do you work with? We work exclusively with owner-managed and mid-market businesses in the Technology, IT, Telecoms and Managed Services sectors. Our clients typically generate between £2m–£50m+ in annual revenue. When is the right time to start planning a sale? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We work exclusively with owner-managed and mid-market businesses in the Technology, IT, Telecoms and Managed Services sectors. Our clients typically generate between £2m–£50m+ in annual revenue. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Request a Confidential Consultation Discover Your Business Value Start with a strategic assessment to understand your maximum potential valuation in the current market. Contact us now Company About Us Blogs Our Location Careers Our Services About Us Sell Side Buy Side Data Work Resources Faq Client Dashboard Support Our Location Contact Us (020) 3696 2810 Info@evolutioncapital.com 68 King William Street, London, EC4N 7HR The Granary, Oak Lane, Chichester, PO20 7FD Subscribe Subscribe to our newsletter
Outstanding outcomes in Kenya
Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Outstanding outcomes in Kenya Acquisition Strategy, Strategic review, Technology December 2, 2025 “The highest service we can perform for others is to help them to help themselves”Horace Mann, US educational reformer Undoubtedly, Kwale, just south of the world-renowned Mombasa beach, is a beautiful part of the world. This small area of Kenya, set inland from the white sand of Diani Beach, is mostly given over to agriculture, but many of the locals worked, before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, in the many hotels dotted around the shoreline. The decimation of the tourism industry in Kenya was devastating for the families who relied on their jobs in hospitality. Many of them were plunged into abject poverty, almost overnight. Evolution Capital’s MD Nigel Cook was a frequent visitor to this special and relatively unknown region. He said, “As a team, we were horrified to hear how the pandemic had affected the people we’d met and grown to see as friends so dreadfully. We were determined to do something about it and so, working with a project manager, Kenneth Kariuki on the ground in Kwale, we set up a farm business so that the families could begin to rebuild their lives and have a sustainable income however badly the local economy was faring. ”And so, a farm was founded in early 2020. Land was prepared by Kenneth and his team, and a crop of tomatoes, maize, onions, and beans were planted and carefully cultivated before being transported by foot to Ukunda, the nearest local town for sale. Nigel goes on, “We were delighted that the first crop was so bountiful, and we were able to share our business finance expertise with the farm management so that they had a good business plan and pricing strategy to help them literally grow their business.” Two years on and the farm is thriving, so much so that the group in Kenya are now able to buy rather than rent their smallholding’s plot.“We love to hear about the business in Kenya,” Nigel concludes “we are in regular communication with Kenneth and his team, and the whole team here at Evolution Capital is always keen to help them maximise their profits and build better lives in their beautiful part of the world.” Members of our team will be competing in an array of Ultra marathons and triathlons in order to raise funds to further support this project. For more information, visit our events calendar or Just Giving page Here… More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Categories Acquired (2) Acquisition (8) Acquisition Strategy (20) Analytic Services (3) Blog (21) Business Acquisition (1) Business Aquired (2) Business Sale (23) Business Valuation and Research (1) Buy-Side (1) Buy-side M&A advice (1) Buyside M&A (3) Case Studies (59) Disposal (5) Financial Due Diligence (2) Fund raising and listing (1) Fundraising and M&A advice (2) ICT (2) IT (2) IT Managed Services (2) IT MSP (1) M&A Managed Buy and Build Programme (5) Managed Service and Mobile (1) Managed Services (2) MBO Management Buyout (1) Media (1) Merger (1) Multiple R&D Tax Claims (1) Sell-Side (2) Sell-side M&A Advice (1) Software (1) Strategic review & business sale (1) Strategic Review & partial sale (1) Technology (6) Telecoms (30) Telephony (1) Transaction Support (1) Unified Comms (3) Valuation and fundraising (1) Social Media Our Blog Related Articles View all blog posts Acquisition Strategy, Blog Outstanding outcomes in Kenya December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Acora completes Veber acquisition during the pandemic December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Acora completes Veber acquisition during the pandemic December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Acora completes Veber acquisition during the pandemic December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Acora completes Veber acquisition during the pandemic December 2, 2025 What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What types of companies do you work with? We work exclusively with owner-managed and mid-market businesses in the Technology, IT, Telecoms and Managed Services sectors. Our clients typically generate between £2m–£50m+ in annual revenue. When is the right time to start planning a sale? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We work exclusively with owner-managed and mid-market businesses in the Technology, IT, Telecoms and Managed Services sectors. Our clients typically generate between £2m–£50m+ in annual revenue. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Request a Confidential Consultation Discover Your Business Value Start with a strategic assessment to understand your maximum potential valuation in the current market. Contact us now Company About Us Blogs Our Location Careers Our Services About Us
Evolution Capital Implements an Accelerated Process to Meet Challenges of Covid-19 and Fully Achieve Shareholder Expectations
Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Evolution Capital Implements an Accelerated Process to Meet Challenges of Covid-19 and Fully Achieve Shareholder Expectations Acquisition Strategy, Strategic review, Technology December 2, 2025 Babble Cloud Ltd. recently announced that it had acquired Lake Technologies Ltd; the second acquisition that Babble has made so far in 2020. Overall, it is the fourth deal build by the firm to help spur further growth and transformation since it received private equity backing in 2017 from LDC. Lake Technologies has provided business telephony and network services to its customers for over 26 years, who will now be able to take advantage of Babble’s ability to offer agile and efficient cloud-based solutions to organisations, allowing them to adapt to the changing working environments. Choosing the Right Time Evolution Capital conducted several face-to-face meetings with the owners of Lake Technologies who then decided that the right time had arrived to sell their business. Evolution Capital provided guidelines to the Lake management team and shareholders with the production of the relevant business information for them to conduct an independent process to sell the business. Neil Needham, out-going Commercial Director of Lake Technologies, said “We have had an on-going relationship with Evolution Capital for some time and informed them of our intention to sell the company and asked them to find us some suitable buyers for the business. They guided us with the development of an MOI and committed to finding us a suitable buyer. Evolution Capital managed our confidentiality, and their knowledge of the marketplace and having mature relationships with buyers was key to a speedy and successful sale of our business. Lake’s shareholders entrusted them to find a buyer that matched strict criteria. The first potential acquirer Evolution Capital introduced us to had detailed and exacting requirements, which we matched completely, and the sales process started and ultimately completed very smoothly. Our main concern was the effect on the process of the COVID-19 lock-down as my previous experience of business disposal required a great deal of personal contact with the buyers. We had only met Babble, the eventual acquirers, on two occasions before lock-down but such was the preparation, detail and efficiency of all parties that any ‘rocks in the road’ were dealt with quickly.” Success Despite an Uncertain Market Matt Parker, Babble’s CEO said, “This is another step on Babble’s rapidly accelerating ride towards £100m as we seek further acquisitions in partnership with LDC. I am delighted to have acquired another high-quality business in Lake Technologies. Both businesses have a focus on improving productivity and increasing customer engagement and organisational resilience whilst reducing costs, to deliver a rapid return on investment for clients.” Read more about the acquisition More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Categories Acquired (2) Acquisition (8) Acquisition Strategy (19) Analytic Services (3) Blog (20) Business Acquisition (1) Business Aquired (2) Business Sale (23) Business Valuation and Research (1) Buy-Side (1) Buy-side M&A advice (1) Buyside M&A (3) Case Studies (59) Disposal (5) Financial Due Diligence (2) Fund raising and listing (1) Fundraising and M&A advice (2) ICT (2) IT (2) IT Managed Services (2) IT MSP (1) M&A Managed Buy and Build Programme (5) Managed Service and Mobile (1) Managed Services (2) MBO Management Buyout (1) Media (1) Merger (1) Multiple R&D Tax Claims (1) Sell-Side (2) Sell-side M&A Advice (1) Software (1) Strategic review & business sale (1) Strategic Review & partial sale (1) Technology (6) Telecoms (30) Telephony (1) Transaction Support (1) Unified Comms (3) Valuation and fundraising (1) Social Media Our Blog Related Articles View all blog posts Acquisition Strategy, Blog Evolution Capital Implements an Accelerated Process to Meet Challenges of Covid-19 and Fully Achieve Shareholder Expectations December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Synergy Associates complete Acquisition of Fresh Tech December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Acora completes Veber acquisition during the pandemic December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Evolution Capital Advises ACR IT Solutions in the business sale to BDR Group December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Evolution Capital Advises PACE Telecom in the Business Sale to Enreach UK December 2, 2025 What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What types of companies do you work with? We work exclusively with owner-managed and mid-market businesses in the Technology, IT, Telecoms and Managed Services sectors. Our clients typically generate between £2m–£50m+ in annual revenue. When is the right time to start planning a sale? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We work exclusively with owner-managed and mid-market businesses in the Technology, IT, Telecoms and Managed Services sectors. Our clients typically generate between £2m–£50m+ in annual revenue. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic
Synergy Associates complete Acquisition of Fresh Tech
Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Synergy Associates complete Acquisition of Fresh Tech Acquisition, Acquisition Strategy, Strategic review, Technology December 2, 2025 The international Managed Services Provider (MSP) Synergy Associates Ltd has completed its acquisition of Fresh Tech Limited, marking the next step in the firm’s M&A-driven growth strategy. Despite the developing situation with COVID 19, the transaction completed in April 2020.Synergy’s advisors, Evolution Capital, acted as introducer and supported negotiations, leading to a successful completion of the deal for an undisclosed sum. Alexander Caplan, Founder of Synergy Associates, said: “Evolution introduced us to Fresh Tech in 2017, and we immediately saw the opportunity for an exciting collaboration with a leading MSP operating in complementary market sectors. Synergy and Fresh Tech are alike in numerous respects; international reach, dedication to clients, and advocacy of Cloud-first solutions. Evolution helped to negotiate and realise the merger, bringing value to each party, and working to create a substantial new firm with enhanced capabilities and scale. Ric McCorriston, Founder of Fresh Tech, said: “At an early stage, we identified shared values and aspirations between our two organisations. The consolidation of our resources has enabled us to expand our activities internationally, with further opportunities for growth on the horizon.” Duncan Gregory, Head of Evolution Capital’s Transaction Team, said: “After working with Synergy for five years and helping them create significant value in their business, we are delighted with the outcome of this acquisition as part of what we believe will be a very successful M&A strategy. Our innovative and bespoke process, which has been developed in-house by Evolution Capital following decades of transactional experience, has enabled us to keep transactions on track despite the negative effects of the pandemic.” More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Categories Acquired (2) Acquisition (8) Acquisition Strategy (18) Analytic Services (3) Blog (19) Business Acquisition (1) Business Aquired (2) Business Sale (23) Business Valuation and Research (1) Buy-Side (1) Buy-side M&A advice (1) Buyside M&A (3) Case Studies (59) Disposal (5) Financial Due Diligence (2) Fund raising and listing (1) Fundraising and M&A advice (2) ICT (2) IT (2) IT Managed Services (2) IT MSP (1) M&A Managed Buy and Build Programme (5) Managed Service and Mobile (1) Managed Services (2) MBO Management Buyout (1) Media (1) Merger (1) Multiple R&D Tax Claims (1) Sell-Side (2) Sell-side M&A Advice (1) Software (1) Strategic review & business sale (1) Strategic Review & partial sale (1) Technology (6) Telecoms (30) Telephony (1) Transaction Support (1) Unified Comms (3) Valuation and fundraising (1) Social Media Our Blog Related Articles View all blog posts Acquisition Strategy, Blog Synergy Associates complete Acquisition of Fresh Tech December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Acora completes Veber acquisition during the pandemic December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Evolution Capital Advises ACR IT Solutions in the business sale to BDR Group December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Evolution Capital Advises PACE Telecom in the Business Sale to Enreach UK December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Evolution Capital advises AdEPT Technology Group on the Acquisition of Datrix Ltd December 2, 2025 What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What types of companies do you work with? We work exclusively with owner-managed and mid-market businesses in the Technology, IT, Telecoms and Managed Services sectors. Our clients typically generate between £2m–£50m+ in annual revenue. When is the right time to start planning a sale? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We work exclusively with owner-managed and mid-market businesses in the Technology, IT, Telecoms and Managed Services sectors. Our clients typically generate between £2m–£50m+ in annual revenue. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Request a Confidential Consultation Discover Your Business Value Start with a strategic assessment to understand your maximum potential valuation in the current market. Contact us now Company About Us Blogs Our Location Careers Our Services About Us Sell Side Buy Side Data Work Resources Faq Client Dashboard Support Our Location Contact Us (020) 3696 2810 Info@evolutioncapital.com 68 King William Street, London, EC4N 7HR The Granary, Oak Lane, Chichester, PO20 7FD Subscribe Subscribe to our newsletter
Acora completes Veber acquisition during the pandemic
Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Acora completes Veber acquisition during the pandemic Acquisition Strategy, Strategic review, Technology December 2, 2025 Veber, a London-based managed services provider (MSP) has been acquired by Acora Ltd, a UK-wide MSP with offices in both the South East, London and the Midlands. Established in 1999 Veber’s core business is providing hosted managed services to a mix of SME and corporate customers. Acora’s ambition is to be the number one UK managed service provider to the mid-market and the acquisition of Veber enables Acora to scale its private cloud offering as part of this strategy. Evolution Capital was appointed by the shareholders to advise with planning their exit strategy from the business. After a thorough review of the business, Veber implemented a number of pre-sale recommendations and Evolution Capital undertook a targeted marketing approach to qualify potential acquirers. The process culminated in a successful sale to Acora for an undisclosed sum in August 2020. Tim Poultney, Veber’s CEO said, “Although I started Veber over twenty years ago, I have limited exposure to the process of preparing and selling a business. I took the company to a stage where it was profitable, stable but the business now required new ownership to maximise the potential I had created. We engaged Evolution Capital as our advisors to prepare the business for sale. Their preparation and expertise throughout the process was key to the success and enabled a smooth exit with a knowledgeable and market-leading acquirer.“ Acora, who since Spring 2020, is supported by Palatine Private Equity LLP has made a number of acquisitions since 2017 and continues to look to bring further high-quality businesses into its Group. Nigel Cook, Evolution Capital’s MD, said, “In these challenging times, when professional buyers such as Acora and their PE investors are behaving more cautiously, it is even more critical, for shareholders seeking to achieve maximum value, that business sale propositions are developed from sound analysis and are defensible under the microscope”. David Hemmings, Head of M&A for Acora said, “We received a clear and detailed Information Memorandum from Evolution Capital in March 2020 which allowed us to effectively assess the opportunity. Veber had good customers and a number of very capable staff. With Evolution’s help, even during Lockdown, we were able to agree HoT’s by May 2020.” More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Categories Acquired (2) Acquisition (8) Acquisition Strategy (17) Analytic Services (3) Blog (18) Business Acquisition (1) Business Aquired (2) Business Sale (23) Business Valuation and Research (1) Buy-Side (1) Buy-side M&A advice (1) Buyside M&A (3) Case Studies (59) Disposal (5) Financial Due Diligence (2) Fund raising and listing (1) Fundraising and M&A advice (2) ICT (2) IT (2) IT Managed Services (2) IT MSP (1) M&A Managed Buy and Build Programme (5) Managed Service and Mobile (1) Managed Services (2) MBO Management Buyout (1) Media (1) Merger (1) Multiple R&D Tax Claims (1) Sell-Side (2) Sell-side M&A Advice (1) Software (1) Strategic review & business sale (1) Strategic Review & partial sale (1) Technology (6) Telecoms (30) Telephony (1) Transaction Support (1) Unified Comms (3) Valuation and fundraising (1) Social Media Our Blog Related Articles View all blog posts Acquisition Strategy, Blog Acora completes Veber acquisition during the pandemic December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Evolution Capital Advises ACR IT Solutions in the business sale to BDR Group December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Evolution Capital Advises PACE Telecom in the Business Sale to Enreach UK December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Evolution Capital advises AdEPT Technology Group on the Acquisition of Datrix Ltd December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Successfully Exiting Your Business: A Conversation with Mahmood Chaudhri, Founder of Datrix December 2, 2025 What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What types of companies do you work with? We work exclusively with owner-managed and mid-market businesses in the Technology, IT, Telecoms and Managed Services sectors. Our clients typically generate between £2m–£50m+ in annual revenue. When is the right time to start planning a sale? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We work exclusively with owner-managed and mid-market businesses in the Technology, IT, Telecoms and Managed Services sectors. Our clients typically generate between £2m–£50m+ in annual revenue. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Request a Confidential Consultation Discover Your Business Value Start with a strategic assessment to understand your maximum potential valuation in the current market. Contact us now Company About Us Blogs Our Location Careers Our Services About Us Sell Side Buy Side Data Work
Evolution Capital Advises ACR IT Solutions in the business sale to BDR Group
Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Evolution Capital Advises ACR IT Solutions in the business sale to BDR Group Acquisition Strategy, Business Sale, sale, Strategic review, Technology December 2, 2025 Evolution Capital Advises ACR IT Solutions in the business sale to BDR Group The shareholders of ACR IT Solutions, based in Bury, Greater Manchester concluded the successful sale of the business to the BDR group, a specialist IT supplier, located in Stratford on Avon. The sale of ACR, a supplier of IT infrastructure and support, was concluded in January 2021 for an undisclosed sum following a negotiation period of six months between buyer and seller. ACR’s board of directors appointed Evolution Capital to provide expert advice and to identify an appropriate acquirer for the business in 2019. The eventual acquirer, the BDR Group have made a number of complementary acquisitions since its inception 1991 and were identified early in the engagement as a potential buyer for the business.Founder and majority shareholder of ACR, Tony Burrison said, “Our engagement with Evolution Capital was the catalyst for success. Not only did they provide us with a safe pair of hands but their understanding of our requirements and their detailed approach was superb from start to finish.” Nigel Cook, MD of Evolution Capital said,“We are always pleased when the application of our expert advice and unique methodologies provide such a favourable outcome. We believe the goals of both parties have been exceeded with the speed and value of this transaction.” Tony Burrisson concluded by saying, “My major takeaway from the transaction is that it is never too early to engage with the right advisors. No company should attempt a disposal process without getting an expert advisor. For our part getting the right one was the best money we have ever spent. Evolution Capital were good value and without them the venture would probably not have completed so favourably.” More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Categories Acquired (2) Acquisition (8) Acquisition Strategy (16) Analytic Services (3) Blog (17) Business Acquisition (1) Business Aquired (2) Business Sale (23) Business Valuation and Research (1) Buy-Side (1) Buy-side M&A advice (1) Buyside M&A (3) Case Studies (59) Disposal (5) Financial Due Diligence (2) Fund raising and listing (1) Fundraising and M&A advice (2) ICT (2) IT (2) IT Managed Services (2) IT MSP (1) M&A Managed Buy and Build Programme (5) Managed Service and Mobile (1) Managed Services (2) MBO Management Buyout (1) Media (1) Merger (1) Multiple R&D Tax Claims (1) Sell-Side (2) Sell-side M&A Advice (1) Software (1) Strategic review & business sale (1) Strategic Review & partial sale (1) Technology (6) Telecoms (30) Telephony (1) Transaction Support (1) Unified Comms (3) Valuation and fundraising (1) Social Media Our Blog Related Articles View all blog posts Acquisition Strategy, Blog Evolution Capital Advises ACR IT Solutions in the business sale to BDR Group December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Evolution Capital Advises PACE Telecom in the Business Sale to Enreach UK December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Evolution Capital advises AdEPT Technology Group on the Acquisition of Datrix Ltd December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Successfully Exiting Your Business: A Conversation with Mahmood Chaudhri, Founder of Datrix December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Life after a sale: interview with ICOM founder John Donoghue December 2, 2025 What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What types of companies do you work with? We work exclusively with owner-managed and mid-market businesses in the Technology, IT, Telecoms and Managed Services sectors. Our clients typically generate between £2m–£50m+ in annual revenue. When is the right time to start planning a sale? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We work exclusively with owner-managed and mid-market businesses in the Technology, IT, Telecoms and Managed Services sectors. Our clients typically generate between £2m–£50m+ in annual revenue. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Request a Confidential Consultation Discover Your Business Value Start with a strategic assessment to understand your maximum potential valuation in the current market. 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Evolution Capital Advises PACE Telecom in the Business Sale to Enreach UK
Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Evolution Capital Advises PACE Telecom in the Business Sale to Enreach UK Acquisition Strategy, Strategic review, Technology December 2, 2025 Evolution Capital Advises PACE Telecom in its sale to Enreach UK. Acquisitive European unified communications group Enreach, has strengthened its position in the UK telecommunications market through the acquisition of Pace Telecom. Established in 1993, Pace Telecom is a communications provider with over 1000 customers. Evolution Capital was engaged by PACE Telecom in 2019 to prepare the business for sale, introduce the company to potential acquirers and manage the process to a successful conclusion. The sale of the business to Enreach represents a highly successful outcome after an in-depth and detailed process involving business analysis, preparation and execution of strategy.Major Shareholder and CEO of PACE, Jamie Hughes said, “I am excited to see Pace Telecom join Enreach at such a pivotal time of growth and innovation for the group after being a partner for many years. At Pace Telecom, we have almost 30 years of experience in helping our customers to become more flexible and efficient through our solutions and joining Enreach will only help their businesses to grow even further. We look forward to achieving maximum success as part of Enreach.” Pace Telecom is an excellent fit for Enreach, having been a customer of their Service Providers brand for several years and specialising in cloud telephony. By the end of 2021, Enreach expects to have launched an ambitious product roadmap to the UK market, covering its comprehensive group-wide portfolio. The acquisition of Pace Telecomm is an important part of this process. Duncan Ward, CEO Enreach UK, said: “By adding Pace Telecom to Enreach here in the UK we are able to further improve on the products, services and the overall experience we provide our customers. Pace Telecom has been a partner of Enreach for Service Providers for several years and, with the team already confident taking our cloud platform to market, we are certain that we can build on this success. Together we will focus on our portfolio of cloud solutions, broadband and mobile, as well as the new products, integrations and platforms we are set to launch over the coming months. We are delighted for Pace Telecom to be joining us on this journey and for the expertise, the team will bring.” Nigel Cook, Group Managing Director, said: “Jamie has engineered a fantastic result for shareholders, management team and the customers of Pace Telecom, who now will benefit from being part of the leading European UCaaS enterprise, backed with capital from the Pemberton and Waterland partnership. Evolution Capital is most pleased to have advised in this outstanding outcome for shareholders.” Nigel Cook, Group Managing Director More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Categories Acquired (2) Acquisition (8) Acquisition Strategy (15) Analytic Services (3) Blog (16) Business Acquisition (1) Business Aquired (2) Business Sale (23) Business Valuation and Research (1) Buy-Side (1) Buy-side M&A advice (1) Buyside M&A (3) Case Studies (59) Disposal (5) Financial Due Diligence (2) Fund raising and listing (1) Fundraising and M&A advice (2) ICT (2) IT (2) IT Managed Services (2) IT MSP (1) M&A Managed Buy and Build Programme (5) Managed Service and Mobile (1) Managed Services (2) MBO Management Buyout (1) Media (1) Merger (1) Multiple R&D Tax Claims (1) Sell-Side (2) Sell-side M&A Advice (1) Software (1) Strategic review & business sale (1) Strategic Review & partial sale (1) Technology (6) Telecoms (30) Telephony (1) Transaction Support (1) Unified Comms (3) Valuation and fundraising (1) Social Media Our Blog Related Articles View all blog posts Acquisition Strategy, Blog Evolution Capital Advises PACE Telecom in the Business Sale to Enreach UK December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Evolution Capital advises AdEPT Technology Group on the Acquisition of Datrix Ltd December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Successfully Exiting Your Business: A Conversation with Mahmood Chaudhri, Founder of Datrix December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Life after a sale: interview with ICOM founder John Donoghue December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Strategic advice leads to private equity investment in Ridgewall December 2, 2025 What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What types of companies do you work with? We work exclusively with owner-managed and mid-market businesses in the Technology, IT, Telecoms and Managed Services sectors. Our clients typically generate between £2m–£50m+ in annual revenue. When is the right time to start planning a sale? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We work exclusively with owner-managed and mid-market businesses in the Technology, IT, Telecoms and Managed Services sectors. Our clients typically generate between £2m–£50m+ in annual revenue. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales,
Evolution Capital advises AdEPT Technology Group on the Acquisition of Datrix Ltd
Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Evolution Capital advises AdEPT Technology Group on the Acquisition of Datrix Ltd Acquisition, Acquisition Strategy, Business Sale, Strategic review December 2, 2025 Evolution Capital advises AdEPT Technology Group on the Acquisition of Datrix Ltd. AdEPT, one of the UK’s leading independent providers of managed services for IT, connectivity, unified communications solutions, and cloud services, acquired Datrix Limited for £16m (an initial sum of £9m) which has been funded through the Group’s new bank facility. Datrix is an established, award-winning supplier of advanced cloud-based networking, communications, and cybersecurity solutions, headquartered in London, with expertise in the growing Software-Defined Wide Area Networking market. Evolution Capital was appointed as advisors to AdEPT to investigate the market and identify and introduce suitable cloud-based specialists as acquisition targets. Datrix was identified as a substantial, strategically important acquisition that was in line with AdEPT’s stated strategy. The acquisition fulfilled the stated criteria of enhancing the Group’s capabilities and increasing its market share in key cloud-centric growth.Ian Fishwick, Chairman of AdEPT, said, “The Datrix acquisition is the fourteenth transaction that we have completed with the advice and guidance of Evolution Capital. The best recommendation that I can give anyone when considering whether to engage with a professional adviser is that we continue to use Evolution Capital regularly and keep paying for them to deliver their services.” Phil Race, Chief Executive of AdEPT, said, “Datrix is a high-quality business with a well-established customer base, generating strong levels of recurring revenue and a cash generative, capex light, business model. We are delighted that the key members of the Datrix senior management team have chosen to join us. I look forward to working with them over the coming years and, on behalf of the Board, welcome them wholeheartedly to AdEPT.” Mark Thomas, Managing Director of Datrix, said “We are delighted to become part of the AdEPT Technology Group. From the outset, it was clear that the solution set we take to market is complementary to AdEPT’s, and that the combination of AdEPT and Datrix expertise will bring benefits to both parties, and crucially to our customers. Our joint presence in the NHS will undoubtedly create new opportunities and being part of a larger group will help us capitalise on the growing and substantial market for advanced cloud-centric networks and cybersecurity.” Nigel Cook, Group MD of Evolution Capital said, “We are delighted to have advised AdEPT Technology Group with this, our fourteenth acquisition together. Each deal is unique and I am most pleased with the speed in which all the teams – Datrix, AdEPT and Evolution Capital –achieved our end of year deadlines and without compromising quality and value for all parties.” More than 2 results are available in the PRO version (This notice is only visible to admin users) Categories Acquired (2) Acquisition (8) Acquisition Strategy (14) Analytic Services (3) Blog (15) Business Acquisition (1) Business Aquired (2) Business Sale (23) Business Valuation and Research (1) Buy-Side (1) Buy-side M&A advice (1) Buyside M&A (3) Case Studies (59) Disposal (5) Financial Due Diligence (2) Fund raising and listing (1) Fundraising and M&A advice (2) ICT (2) IT (2) IT Managed Services (2) IT MSP (1) M&A Managed Buy and Build Programme (5) Managed Service and Mobile (1) Managed Services (2) MBO Management Buyout (1) Media (1) Merger (1) Multiple R&D Tax Claims (1) Sell-Side (2) Sell-side M&A Advice (1) Software (1) Strategic review & business sale (1) Strategic Review & partial sale (1) Technology (6) Telecoms (30) Telephony (1) Transaction Support (1) Unified Comms (3) Valuation and fundraising (1) Social Media Our Blog Related Articles View all blog posts Acquisition Strategy, Blog Evolution Capital advises AdEPT Technology Group on the Acquisition of Datrix Ltd December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Successfully Exiting Your Business: A Conversation with Mahmood Chaudhri, Founder of Datrix December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Life after a sale: interview with ICOM founder John Donoghue December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Strategic advice leads to private equity investment in Ridgewall December 2, 2025 Acquisition Strategy, Blog Evolution Capital advises on the sale of Between the Lines Communication to Arrow December 2, 2025 What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What types of companies do you work with? We work exclusively with owner-managed and mid-market businesses in the Technology, IT, Telecoms and Managed Services sectors. Our clients typically generate between £2m–£50m+ in annual revenue. When is the right time to start planning a sale? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. What does Evolution Capital do? We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We work exclusively with owner-managed and mid-market businesses in the Technology, IT, Telecoms and Managed Services sectors. Our clients typically generate between £2m–£50m+ in annual revenue. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our work includes valuation, exit planning, due diligence, market intelligence and full end-to-end transaction support. We specialise in advising Technology, IT and Telecoms business owners on business sales, acquisitions and strategic growth. Our
Successfully Exiting Your Business: A Conversation with Mahmood Chaudhri, Founder of Datrix
Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Successfully Exiting Your Business: A Conversation with Mahmood Chaudhri, Founder of Datrix Acquisition Strategy, Strategic review, Technology December 2, 2025 Cloud-based networking, communications, and cyber-security solutions expert Datrix was acquired by AdEPT Technology Group in April 2021. Evolution Capital talks to Mahmood Chaudhri about the motivations, lessons and key factors that enabled his successful outcome. EC: “Why did you start Datrix and what was your mission?” MC: I started Datrix out of frustration really. The organisation I was working for in my 20’s seemed to care less about our customers than I did, and I felt that with the right team around me I could offer a much better experience for our customers. Consequently, I left and founded Datrix. So, 27 years later I am here, having achieved the outcome that I always wanted for myself. EC: How has the market changed since you founded Datrix and have you adapted your strategy to respond to the changing landscape? In the early days of 1994, we were selling computers and peripherals through magazines. The technology was moving at quite a pace and taking huge leaps every few years. We were supplying leading-edge solutions across several private and public sectors. This required us keeping abreast of relevant technologies and entering new areas. For example, we worked in data centres with cloud provision and SaaS related solutions very early on which meant we had to punch well above our weight. We still must maintain that leadership position as the landscape is constantly changing and highly dynamic. Companies wanting to emulate our success have to find their ‘sweet spot’. Today, there is not a single IT supplier that has solutions to fit all requirements. It is essential to find the customers that are right for you, not just the other way around. EC: What is unique about Datrix? Datrix has been a privately-owned business for over 25 years and most of our customers have been with us for well over 10 years. We work in several private and public sectors; however, our core focus is on healthcare. We have an extensive healthcare property portfolio across the whole of the UK and provide enterprise technology solutions on a 24/7/365 basis. This means that the barrier to entry for competitive organisations is high which by default significantly reduces quality competition. EC: What was your first experience of Evolution Capital and how would you rate their performance in the process? Datrix was first contacted by Evolution Capital in 2016 and they have kept in touch ever since. Recently they came to us when we were ready to sell – representing a potential buyer. Their overall attitude and demeanour when I met them was completely different from other similar organisations that had contacted me, and Evolution Capital instantly got my undivided attention. They demonstrated a clear understanding of our requirements and articulated a pragmatic way forward. Evolution Capital’s proposition was compelling enough for me to proceed, and I presented it to Datrix’s advisors. The rest, as they say is history..!! EC: Why was AdEPT a good fit for Datrix? I have come across many organisations over the years that have seen Datrix as a good fit, but the timing, business culture and synergies with any of them was questionable. It was never enough to persuade me to sell my business to any of them. Evolution Capital’s initial presentation of AdEPT together with all the associated benefits and deliverables was accurate and compelling and guided us toward making the right decision. Meeting the Chairman, CEO & FD of AdEPT was enough to convince me and my team at Datrix that this was a perfect fit. EC: What do you believe were the key factors in achieving a successful outcome for the shareholders? I have always retained the majority shareholding at Datrix, which actually shrunk from 75% to 55% over the years as I rewarded and incentivised key members of my management team and staff. My advice to any business owner wanting to achieve a successful outcome would be this, “If you can’t achieve the outcome you want by yourself, bring people into your business on a healthy salary and also offer them a stake in the game. Give up some of your shares for that purpose or privilege.” The other shareholders, of course, needed the right financial outcome, but most importantly I wanted a good cultural fit with the new owner. They would need to share my drive and ambition to offer leading edge technology to their customers and to develop a bigger enterprise client base. It was also important that most of the other shareholders at Datrix retained senior positions as part of the new AdEPT management team. EC: What has the process taught you and what would your advice be to owners considering selling their business? I wish someone who had been through my recent learning curve had knocked on my door and advised me 15 years ago; I could so easily have prepared myself for a sale of the business then. But the only value in speaking with anyone is if they have actually gone through the experience of selling a business themselves. Attending seminars and reading relevant articles and books is of help, but there is nothing like going through the process personally and taking listening to the advice of people who have. Importantly, owners selling their business need to engage with organisations like Evolution Capital, who will give them essential advice. They will guide them through the process in an honest, credible, and professional manner and without the agony that often accompanies a business disposal. EC: What do you see as the biggest challenges in the industry right now? IT businesses need to accelerate their adaption and adoption of SaaS and cloud services. Additionally, there are an increasing number of cyber-attacks threatening our industry and suppliers need
Life after a sale: interview with ICOM founder John Donoghue
Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Home Contact Us Home-version 2 Service page About Us Office Location Post template Life after a sale: interview with ICOM founder John Donoghue Acquisition Strategy, Strategic review, Technology December 2, 2025 Life after a sale: interview with ICOM founder John Donoghue In the second of our Evolution Capital Alumni series, we speak to John Donoghue, founder and owner of Aylesford-based Icom Holdings, about how selling a stake in his business has given him a new lease of life. John Donoghue sold a majority stake in his business to award-winning BDR Voice & Data Solutions back in January 2018. But unlike many in his situation, Donoghue is still very much involved in the business. Indeed, he says the deal has given him a renewed sense of purpose. He explains: “To be brutally honest I was quite sick of the business by the time it came to sell it. However, the transaction has completely revitalised the old management team – and me. I receive a lot of support from the new owner and the whole thing has given me a new lease of life. In fact, we both have our sons working in business, which is a testament to the belief we have in the future – and provides us with a good deal of succession planning.” Icom was advised by Evolution Capital, which was engaged to prepare and structure the deal. Evolution was also tasked with finding a suitable and complementary buyer against some exacting criteria. Icom’s strong contracts and relationships in the public sector, and particularly their status as a Government Framework Supplier, made them particularly desirable. Donoghue adds: “I took a great deal of care and diligence in choosing the right buyer, who had to be a like-minded business partner. There were plenty of good advisers out there, but we needed one who knew our marketplace and were sensitive to our aspirations. Evolution Capital understood our requirements and came up with a shortlist of six potential buyers of which three were shortlisted. Additionally, I had an incredibly loyal management team which had been with me since the mid-90s and any decision I made had to be right for all of us. It was a great result all round.” Given that John had worked tirelessly on the business since its inception since 1990, how has life changed since the sale? Donoghue continues: “The disposal of a large part of the business was very rewarding, both commercially and strategically, and has certainly provided us with the necessary financial security for the future. However, as far as my time is concerned, I probably have even less time than I used to. The time savings I have made on the operational side have been swallowed up on the strategy of the new group.” However, he claims he is enjoying his new role in the larger business. Indeed, he has no personal exit plan and sees ICOM “going on forever”. He adds: “The business has doubled since the disposal and its general direction has pleased all concerned.” In his spare time, 55-year-old Donoghue is as competitive a sportsman as he is an entrepreneur. He is an accomplished cyclist, triathlete and golfer who has always encouraged a competitive attitude in his children. He continues: “Sport is analogous to life. In football, for example, there are lots of average players who have transformed themselves with the right attitude. With a combination of determination, hard work and honesty, anything is possible. Take a look at Gary Neville when he was playing for Manchester United – there were arguably much better players than him around but he had an attitude that transformed not only himself but all those playing around him – truly inspirational. Business is very similar – the right attitude can be transformative.” Donoghue, who started his first business from the garage of his house, learned to perfect the process during his journey and a lot of water has passed under the bridge since those early days. The company has changed considerably since the sale and there has been a process of symbiosis within both businesses, with methodologies and best practices osmotically seeping into each. “We are a lot more sales led these days and there is far more process and structure involved in the commercial side of the organisation. It’s amazing what a new set of eyes and a fresh approach can achieve,” he explains. The deal has clearly injected the whole business with a renewed sense of energy. Plenty of restructuring has taken place and there are centralised benefits coming through as well as a simplification of much of the commercial process. There have also been lots of opportunities for cross-selling and up-selling between the two groups of customers. Donoghue adds: “As a business we are investing heavily and expanding, which is having a very positive effect on our bottom line. We are also considering the next acquisition, which I am very involved in personally. My main challenge these days is managing my time effectively in what is essentially a brand new role. ”For most business owners, there is no formal training programme to prepare for creating and executing a successful business plan other than lots of heuristic training, learning quickly and not repeating costly mistakes. John is no exception and feels there were a lot of things that he would do differently with the benefit of hindsight. He continues: “I would definitely pay more attention to the cash flow and particularly the P&L. In hindsight, I would also ensure I had a flexible management team that could evolve as the company changed. However, top of my list would be to get expert advice from industry experts like Evolution Capital so that by the time I was ready to sell I would be completely prepared. I could not have done what I did without their advice and assistance and would recommend them to anyone. ”The telecoms space has been subject