BACKGROUND
Aspire Technology Solutions have secured a significant minority investment from LDC. Legal advice was provided by Muckle LLP.
Aspire Technology Solutions is one of the fastest growing IT managed service and cyber security providers in the UK. With a large network of UK customers, they deliver leading technology solutions across cloud, connectivity, telephony, technical support, cyber security and professional services to help customers drive real business benefits.
Muckle is the North East’s leading independent law firm for businesses, with specialist expertise in banking, commercial, corporate, property, agriculture, construction, employment, dispute resolution; and legal-specific sector expertise in registered providers, charities, energy, sports and education law.
Muckle has partnered with Aspire since 2011. Aspire provide Muckle with IT solutions including ultrafast connectivity and data centre collocation services.
APPROACH
In March 2022, Aspire secured a significant minority investment from mid-market private equity firm LDC, in a transaction which values the business at £85m.
Aspire turned to Muckle to provide legal advice during the transaction. Experts from Muckle’s specialist Corporate and Banking teams supported Aspire and helped to drive the transaction over the line.
LDC’s investment will support the Aspire management team, led by CEO Chris Fraser, to pursue organic growth and acquisition opportunities. Aspire will also broaden their suite of IT services and expand further into markets across the UK.
OUTCOME
- The transaction marks a new chapter for Aspire which will support growth across the UK.
- The investment is fantastic news for the North East, Aspire are already delivering plans to create more than 150 North East jobs.
- Aspire will broaden their suite of IT services and support and expand further into UK markets. They are already in the process of launching their own Security Operations Centre, which will be equipped with next generation cyber security intelligence, proactive monitoring, and advanced threat detection.
“The investment marks a new chapter for Aspire which will enable us to move to the next level. We have worked with the Muckle team for a number of years now and we trusted them to help us to get the deal done. The team led by Philip and assisted by Stuart, Hayden and Louise were responsive, commercial and really helped to drive the transaction over the line. It’s such an exciting time.”
Chris Fraser, CEO
Aspire Technology Solutions
“As a leading law firm for businesses, it has been great to work with Aspire over the years and to see it go from strength to strength. This is a fantastic deal for the North East, with a successful regionally-based business securing significant investment from a national fund with a local presence. On behalf of everyone at Muckle we wish Chris and the Aspire team, as well as the team at LDC, every success with this investment and we are looking forward to watching Aspire’s continued growth.”
Philip Clare, Corporate Partner
Muckle LLP
