Browne Jacobson’s specialist corporate finance lawyers advise LDC on sale of global IT services provider

Browne Jacobson’s corporate finance lawyers have advised leading mid-market private equity firm, LDC and management on the sale of specialist managed IT services provider, Littlefish to Bowmark Capital.

Bowmark’s acquisition will support Littlefish’s ambitions to broaden its capabilities in the DevOps, digital transformation and data management space and further its organic growth strategy.

Nottingham headquartered Littlefish is an award-winning managed IT and cyber security services provider that has experienced rapid organic growth since it was founded as a bedroom start-up in 2003. The business delivers services to a diverse portfolio of over 200 clients which includes, CQC, Ofsted, Farrow & Ball, Electricity North West, and London Borough of Croydon amongst others.

The Nottingham based Browne Jacobson advisory team was led by partner, Mark Hughes, with assistance from senior associates Vicky Tomlinson and Rob Northall and trainee lawyer Ruairi O'Grady. Partners Sandra Wong and Gavin Cummings supported the client on the private equity side of the transaction.

Mark Hughes said: “We are pleased to have supported LDC and Littlefish in this strategic move. With LDC’s backing, Littlefish have grown their reputation from a credible local managed IT services provider to a key IT services player in the global mid-market and enterprise space. Their USP is in their ability to deliver very tailored solutions that really fit around the needs of their clients, something that will no doubt continue with Bowmark’s investment. Having acted for Littlefish for over 10 years, we are particularly excited to see the next stage of the company’s development.”

Steve Robinson, CEO of Littlefish, added: “The business has been on a significant growth journey over the last 12 years, which has been achieved almost entirely organically. While we anticipate continuing our organic trajectory, we’re also keen to invest in broadening our portfolio, particularly in the fields of DevOps, digital transformation, and data management. We are delighted to be partnering with Bowmark. Our management team have all been impressed with the market knowledge and commitment of their team and fully expect that joining forces will enable us to achieve our collective goals.

“I would also like to highlight the fantastic support we received from the Browne Jacobson team. The commercial advice and support we received from them when they advised us on LDC’s original investment back in 2019 was of the highest quality. Their market knowledge is engrained and impressive, and we knew they were absolutely the right choice in assisting us again with the Bowmark deal.”