TLT advises SilverTree Equity on acquisition of Orbus Software

UK law firm TLT has advised SilverTree Equity, a leading software and technology focused private equity firm, on its acquisition of Orbus Software, a global market-leading provider of Enterprise Architecture software. SilverTree’s investment will fuel further innovation and accelerate the company’s SaaS strategy.

This significant transaction will see Orbus Software’s market leading position in Enterprise Architecture software strengthen globally amid the drive towards digital transformation. Orbus Software has achieved consistently strong revenue growth. It added over 100 new customers in 2020 and its SaaS revenues have been growing 100%+ since the launch of iServer365. 

Over 550 enterprises around the world – including many Fortune 500/FTSE 350 and public sector organisations – rely on Orbus’s software to blueprint their IT landscapes, manage successful digital transformation journeys and drive strategic decision making. This includes AstraZeneca, IKEA, MotoNovo, Kelloggs, Dell, Mastercard, New York Power, Mayo Clinic, Rio Tinto, Brisbane Airport, CIB Bank, Schroders and Saab.

Corporate partner Jon Gill led TLT’s work on the deal, which drew on a broad range of advice across the firm’s areas of expertise. The team included Dan Whitewood, Luke Thorngate-Davies, John Oladeji and Georgia Bew (corporate); Mark Gilston and Imogen Benson (banking); Daniel Lloyd (technology); Mark Braude (tax); and Jonathan Rennie and Fraser Vandal (employment).

Jon Gill, partner at UK law firm TLT, commented:

“We’re very pleased to have supported SilverTree Equity on this exciting acquisition. The global economy has seen a rapid acceleration in digitalisation in recent years and in this high-innovation environment, private equity firms specialising in tech and software, such as SilverTree Equity, are in an ideal position. They can use their networks and sector expertise to invest in the high-growth companies driving this digital transformation and secure tremendous benefits going forward.

“As the digitalisation of businesses continues apace, we will no doubt see continued interest from investors looking to buy into the tech and software sectors, providing great exit opportunities to entrepreneurs building up their businesses to maturity.”

Nicholas Theuerkauf, managing partner of SilverTree Equity, said:

“Jon Gill and the team at TLT did excellent work supporting us on the Orbus Software transaction. We continue to be impressed by Jon’s commerciality, problem solving, and strategic thinking as well as the broader team at TLT, who worked efficiently and seamlessly with SilverTree and key advisors. We look forward to working with TLT on future deals.” 

As part of the transaction, SilverTree is introducing an excellent pedigree of strategic advisors to Orbus’s board, including Vin Murria OBE (founder of Advanced Computer Software plc, which was acquired by Vista Equity), Adam Hale (former CEO of Fairsail and chairman of the ScaleUp Institute) and Matt Harris (former partner at KPMG and FTI Consulting). They will work alongside Orbus’s existing management team led by Hayden Eastwood, whilst founder Andy Donoghue remains involved in a non-executive capacity.