A specialist industrial software company scaled its platform, management capability and international reach before completing a successful strategic sale.
The situation
A specialist software company had developed valuable risk-assessment and control-of-work technology for high-hazard industries.
The business had strong intellectual property and an established reputation, but its next stage of growth required a more stable and capable software platform, a stronger management team and the ability to support customers across international markets.
The founding shareholder also wanted to step back from day-to-day management and ultimately realise the value created through a sale.
The assignment
An Interim Finance Director was appointed to help scale the business, strengthen its management and commercial infrastructure, and prepare the shareholders for an eventual exit.
The approach
The redevelopment of the company’s software platform was led by bringing together the commercial, operational, financial and technology requirements.
The programme improved the platform’s stability and enhanced its functionality, creating a more scalable foundation for existing customers and future growth.
A stronger management team was developed, with clearer responsibilities and greater accountability. This reduced the organisation’s dependence on its founding shareholder and allowed the shareholder to step back while retaining confidence in the company’s direction and performance.
The business’s geographic reach was expanded into North America, the Middle East and Asia. The commercial and organisational capabilities required to pursue opportunities and support customers across these markets were established alongside the technology improvements.
The company was then prepared for sale. Its technology, management capability, international presence and growth prospects were presented clearly to prospective purchasers, and the business was led through the exit process.
The results
- Revenue increased from £1.2 million to £4.9 million
- The business grew to approximately 35 employees
- The software platform achieved greater stability and enhanced functionality
- Operations expanded into North America, the Middle East and Asia
- A management team was developed that enabled the shareholder to step back
- All the company’s shares were successfully sold in 2019
- The purchaser was a major Japanese industrial technology group
The value delivered
Revenue more than quadrupled while the technology, leadership capability and international reach of the company were strengthened.
The assignment created a more scalable and less shareholder-dependent business with the platform, management team and international potential required to attract a major strategic purchaser and complete a successful exit.