Aker Systems has secured a significant minority investment from LDC, a mid-market private equity firm, as it targets further expansion to support the digital transformation of organisations across the UK. Financial details of the investment have not been disclosed.Aker Systems was founded in 2016 by a team of experienced technology professionals who recognised an opportunity to provide highly secure enterprise data platforms to large organisations. The business designs, builds and operates ultra-secure public cloud data environments for large private and public sector clients. Its proprietary technology solutions drive performance and reduce costs while helping its clients to improve the management and sharing of data across their organisations.
LDC’s strategic partnership with Aker Systems will support the management team as they further invest in research and development relating to their proprietary software and services, and continue to grow the business’ team of highly experienced experts.
LDC is backing the business’ existing management team led by CEO Darren Thomas, CFO Richard Hodsden, CCO Adam Crawford and Founder Director Adam Fawsitt. Tom Burnet will join Aker Systems as Non-Executive Chairman while Sir David Capewell will continue as a Strategic Adviser.
The deal was led by LDC Investment Director Chris Baker and Head of LDC in the South Lawrence Dean, and was supported by Klara Klarowicz. As part of the transaction, Lawrence Dean and Chris Baker will join the board as Non-Executive Directors.
Adam Fawsitt, Founder Director of Aker Systems, says: “With our team of experts and proprietary technology, we have developed a market-leading approach to completely transform how organisations use and manage their data. The support from LDC will amplify Aker Systems’ success to date and continue our journey as the market leader in this space. We have a highly scalable model and, with LDC’s backing, we are committed to driving further investment in our team and our systems as we continue to raise the bar for our industry.”
Chris Baker, Investment Director at LDC, says: “The team at Aker Systems has developed a market leading and highly sophisticated proposition which helps very large organisations operate more efficiently in the public cloud, enabling superior use of data whilst also delivering performance and cost benefits. We’re looking forward to helping the team build on an already impressive track record of growth.”
The investment marks the third deal in the last four months completed by the South team at LDC, following its investment in James and James Fulfilment and Babble’s acquisition of Lake Technologies. The total aggregate enterprise value of these deals is over GBP60 million.
Head of LDC in the South, Lawrence Dean, adds: “Our recent activity is testament to the strength of mid-market business in the South of England during these challenging times and demonstrates our commitment to supporting ambitious management teams. Our partnerships are giving business leaders greater confidence to capitalise on new opportunities.”
LDC has a strong track record of supporting fast growing tech businesses. The private equity house has invested more than £1bn in UK tech, media and telecoms companies. In addition to Aker Systems and James and James, LDC backed the management team of 3D software reseller Solid Solutions earlier this year.
LDC was advised by Gateley, HMT, ITC Secure, CIL, EY and KPMG.
Aker Systems was advised by Grant Thornton and Birketts.
