Investcorp portfolio company Impero, a provider of online student safety and classroom and network management software, has acquired Netop, an international software solutions provider to the education sector and corporates, from Consolidated Holdings A/S. Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
The addition of Netop will significantly increase Impero’s scale and presence in the United States and has the potential to meaningfully increase Impero’s total and recurring revenue base. The transaction further expands Impero’s addressable market while diversifying its customer base and providing an entry into the corporate sector, primarily in financial services and retail.
Upon completing the transaction, Impero would be better positioned to serve customers in both the education and corporate end markets with a broader suite of offerings, and would have the potential to both accelerate its product roadmap and realise substantial revenue synergies by incorporating Netop’s complementary technology into its existing portfolio. The transaction is expected to close within the next four weeks, subject to customary closing conditions.
Gilbert Kamieniecky, Managing Director and Head of Investcorp’s Private Equity Technology business, says: “Impero’s acquisition of Netop directly aligns with its strategy of delivering a comprehensive suite of wellbeing, classroom management and network management tools. The addition of Netop will provide Impero with the potential to accelerate its growth in the United States, whilst also bringing high quality technology, an international customer base, and an excellent team. Impero and Netop are highly complementary businesses and we are excited by the compelling growth and value-creation potential of the transaction and the strong progress that Impero is continuing to deliver on its strategy.”
Founded in 1981, Netop has become one of the leading software solutions providers that connect people with computers and smart devices, offering classroom management, safeguarding and remote-control solutions to teachers and school administrators that help improve learning outcomes. Netop’s technology services are used by half the Fortune 100 and help businesses deliver quality customer service, reduce support costs and meet security and compliance standards. Headquartered in Denmark, Netop has a diversified global presence through its strong, international partner network.
Impero is one of the UK’s market leading providers of online student safety, classroom and school network management software. Investcorp Technology Partners, via Investcorp Technology Fund IV, invested in Impero in 2017 to support its growth by expanding internationally organically and through strategic add-on acquisitions while investing in further enhancing its software solutions.
Justin Reilly, Chief Executive Officer of Impero, adds: “I am thrilled at the opportunity to bring Impero and Netop into one organisation. We both work closely with our customers, whether education or corporate, to develop world-leading products and services. I firmly believe that the acquisition of Netop will accelerate our ability to deliver innovative and market-disrupting solutions into the hands of those that need them the most. We have a common history and complementary culture. With Netop being founded in 1981, and Impero in 2002, this acquisition brings together two significant players in the child wellbeing, classroom management and remote control software markets.”
Ib Kunøe, Chairman of the Board of Consolidated Holdings A/S, says: “I am very pleased to have reached this agreement for Impero to become the new owner of Netop. I am convinced that Impero will be a great future owner of Netop, and that the combined entity will be well positioned to realise the growth opportunities in the market.”
