Softcat completes acquisition of Oakland Group Services with legal counsel provided by Slaughter and May

Softcat plc has recently completed its acquisition of Oakland Group Services Ltd with legal guidance from Slaughter and May. The deal involved an initial payment of £8 million, with additional contingent payments based on performance metrics over the next three years.

As a prominent UK supplier of IT infrastructure solutions, Softcat will benefit greatly from integrating Oakland’s specialized data and AI consulting services into its existing offerings. Oakland brings expertise in data strategy, governance, architectural design, analytics, and artificial intelligence to the table, enhancing the joint entity’s ability to cater to customers’ diverse technology needs.

To ensure a smooth transition, Oakland’s leadership team will join Softcat to oversee the business as a distinct unit. This strategic move aligns with Softcat’s vision of leveraging collective strengths to drive growth opportunities and better serve clients in an increasingly dynamic tech landscape.

The legal counsel for this transaction was provided by a team of skilled professionals at Slaughter and May, including partners James Cook and Andrew Jolly. They were supported by associates Naomi Lawson, Julia Routledge, Duncan McEwan, Jacob Griffin, and Steve Osagie, as well as trainees Daisy Mant and Leanne Ma. The collaboration between Softcat and Slaughter and May highlights the importance of expert legal guidance in complex M&A deals.

In addition to the corporate and M&A specialists involved, Softcat also received counsel in employment and incentives from partners Phil Linnard and Gwladys Tournier, alongside associates Kathryn Wilson. The competition aspect of the acquisition was overseen by partners Jonathan Slade and Dilshad Teemul. The technology, digital, data, and IP elements were managed by partners Duncan Blaikie and Ralie Belcheva. Finally, the tax implications were handled by partners Charles Osborne and Alison Lim.

This acquisition underscores the ever-evolving nature of the tech industry and the imperative for companies to stay ahead of the curve by expanding their service offerings. By adding Oakland’s data expertise to its arsenal, Softcat is poised to deliver more comprehensive solutions to its clientele, solidifying its position as a leader in the IT sector.

Overall, the partnership between Softcat and Oakland Group Services represents a strategic alignment of capabilities that will enable both entities to thrive in a competitive market environment. With the support of legal experts like Slaughter and May, Softcat can confidently navigate the complexities of mergers and acquisitions, positioning itself for sustained success in the years to come.