Acquisition International - M & A Awards 2022 15 Best Technology M&A & Business Advisory Service 2022 Technology mergers and acquisitions company, WTA Partners (WTA) works with clients on both the ‘buy’ and ‘sell’ sides of M&A. The team, which also provides business advisory services including exit planning, is made up of IT professionals, all of whom have first-hand experience in building, running and exiting technology companies. We take a look at M&A in the technology sector with WTA founder, Jeffrey Jenner and partner, Alan Butterworth. Oct22430 efore founding WTAPartners, Jeffrey Jenner had worked in the IT sector for over forty years, and Alan Butterworth was a highly experienced management professional in IT and technology. Unsurprisingly, the pair, and WTA, have built a stellar reputation for their knowledge and effectiveness in the mid-market technology space. We ask Jeffrey to tell us more about WTA’s current focus: “We provide M&A services that are targeted solely on the IT sector. We cover software and SaaS, consulting services, and cloud-managed services propositions. On the sell-side, our clients are mainly ownermanaged businesses, typically with an enterprise value of £5-30 million. On the buy-side, our clients include PE-backed trade buyers, AIM-listed and overseas businesses who want to acquire UK and European businesses with an enterprise value of up to £100 million.” Being a team of dedicated IT professionals, rather than from other business backgrounds, enables WTA to identify a strategic market fit for each business with ease. Understanding the mechanics of the industry, WTA emphasises the value proposition to potential acquirers. Thorough knowledge of the sector is non-negotiable for any new recruits to the company. Jeffrey explains, “One of our great strengths is our deep knowledge of the sector. We avoid employing inexperienced people. Our clients should not have to spend time educating team members on the intricacies of the business.” This is part of WTA’s drive to deliver outstanding client service every time. A thorough understanding of every client’s requirements is vital B to allow the company to only take on mandates it believes will lead to successful outcomes for its clients. Alan says, “We want every client to be a great reference for the business. That entails not only working effectively but being honest and transparent and providing the best, unbiased advice.” Currently, WTA works in core market sectors such as local and central government, health and social care, and public safety and education. It has also developed a presence in the transport and ‘smart cities’ sectors, and, so far, a particular expertise in enterprise software, SaaS, cloud technology, and managed services. We ask Alan to share his thoughts on the current M&A landscape. He tells us, “It’s a time of great uncertainty in the sector. Global and national circumstances are changing and this is concurrent with a weakening of IT company valuations. We’re seeing rising interest rates, high inflation, tightening debt markets, and a rapid fall of publicly-quoted listed technology companies, particularly on the NASDAQ. But it’s not all bad news - the inflow of funds to private equity continues to rise, and that capital needs to be deployed.” For WTA, at least, progress appears to be steady. 18 months ago, the company opened a new office in North America led by a past client of the company, Nick Nardi. The venture has proven successful and, in part, led to WTA recruiting its first ever communications manager to publicise WTA’s many recent success stories and to more effectively engage with the market. Looking to the future, WTA will be working on a continued expansion of its UK team to add new specialisms and expertise. Further expansion into the North American market is anticipated too. Contact: Jeffrey Jenner, Alan Butterworth and Nick Nardi Company: WTA Partners Web Address: https://www.wtallp.com/ Nick Nardi Jeffrey Jenner Alan Butterworth
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