Browne Jacobson advises on key North West IT support services merger

Browne Jacobson’s Manchester corporate team has successfully advised North West based on its strategic merger with leading bespoke Co-sourcing solutions provider FACT3.

The merger will see headcount rise to 45. The merger will also see Andrew Doyle, Managing Director of SaaSAge, join the newly merged enterprise as an equity partner.

Established in 2000, Manchester headquartered FACT3 specialises in bespoke Co-Sourcing solutions for the SME sector in three business critical areas: Accountancy, HR and IT. The business, which has its headquarters in Spinningfields, serves more than 150 growing SMEs across the North West and has seen revenues grow by over 20% in the last 12 months alone.

SaaSAge, which also has offices in Manchester and Oldham, was set up by Andrew Doyle ten years ago and is a leading provider of managed IT and cyber security services for growing businesses, in particular SMEs.

Andrew Doyle, Managing Director of SaaSAge, said: “Together, these businesses have been operating for more than 30 years and there’s real strength in that. We are excited to combine our technical expertise with such a recognised leader in Co-Sourcing solutions and work closely with ambitious new clients to help them achieve their growth goals.

“In helping us navigate the complexities of a successful merger we were keen to bring on board local advisors that are not just great lawyers but understand our sector. For us Browne Jacobson were perfect and were recommended by a close business associate. They have extensive M & A experience in the tech space and provided commercial and pragmatic advice throughout the process.”

The Browne Jacobson team was led by Manchester based senior associate Ryan Brown.

Ryan Brown added: “There is a strong synergy between FACT3 and SaaSAge so a merger makes perfect business sense.

“The pandemic has accelerated and deepened a number of pre-existing trends in IT services so this merger has come at an opportune time and will provide the region’s growing SME community with a one-stop-shop for IT support services as well as the full portfolio of Professional Services that all organisations need.

“We are delighted to have assisted Andrew and his team on what marks a very exciting chapter for both SaaSAge and FACT3.”