Browne Jacobson’s North West dealmakers advise the shareholders and management team on YFM Equity Partners’ buyout of Cooper Software

Browne Jacobson’s Manchester corporate team have advised the shareholders and management team on YFM Equity Partners’ (YFM) investment in Cooper Software.

The transaction will support the rapidly growing ERP business in its ambition to expand its client base both in the UK and internationally and further invest in developing its ProScope line and introducing it to global markets.

Cooper Software was founded in 2005 by CEO Frank Cooper and is a leading tech consultancy business that specialises in the provision of products and 24-hour round the clock services to ERP businesses. Cooper Software is made up of two key divisions, with one focused on the supply and integration of Industrial and Financial Systems (IFS) ERP systems and the other division, ProScope which has developed and launched its own cloud based SaaS solutions service.

The business has provided over 1,500 enterprise solutions to a global client base, which is made up of over 300 companies.

The business is considered one of the fastest growing tech businesses in recent years with it now employing more than 70 people and its projected turnover expecting to hit £6.7m this year.

The YFM investment team comprised Andy Thomas, Laura Sisson, Ian Waterfield along with Steve Harrison who will join the board of Cooper Software.

The Browne Jacobson team was led by senior associate, Ryan Brown and corporate partner Peter Allen, with support from associate, Bethany Pickup and trainee solicitor, Harpinder Nahl. Partner Ian Deakin advised on the employment aspects of the transaction and senior associate, Melanie Hilton advised on the banking aspects.

Frank Cooper said: “In looking for the right investment partner for Cooper Software, we were delighted to receive a lot of interest. That said, it was immediately obvious that YFM understood our business, our operations and our people, yet, most importantly, the exciting opportunities for growth.

“I would also like to say a huge thank you to the Browne Jacobson team for the responsive, pragmatic and commercial advice they provided to us as part of this transaction. Throughout the whole process, they provided a first class and seamless service which made the transaction much easier to deliver.”

Andy Thomas, YFM Partner added: “Over the last 16 years, Frank and the team have established a successful technology business from the ground up that retains a family feel, but they recognise that the time is right to take it to the next level. With the growth of the global ERP market having been accelerated as companies look to technology to drive greater value, the sector has huge potential as companies seek to maximise the benefits of digital transformation through greater automation, emerging technologies and data intelligence, as well as protecting against some of the modern day challenges presented by the pandemic such as of remote working.”

Ryan added: “We are thrilled to have guided Frank and the wider team through this process which will allow Cooper Software to continue to catapult its presence in the global ERP market.

“Cooper Software has had a phenomenal growth journey since its inception in 2005 which is largely down to the bespoke and unique software solutions and the strength of its executive board so it will be exciting to see how far they can take the business with YFM’s backing.”