Charles Russell Speechlys advises Acora on its acquisition of Secrutiny

Charles Russell Speechlys has advised Acora, the UK-based IT managed services and technology partner on its acquisition of Secrutiny, the UK’s leading cybersecurity provider. The acquisition allows Acora to incorporate security within its market-leading managed IT services offer, with a truly holistic, end-to-end service for its 300-plus customers worldwide.

The acquisition will enable Secrutiny’s team of over 50 specialist cyber consultants and analysts to join forces with Acora’s existing staff of more than 450, bringing new levels of expertise, choice, scale and assurance to mid-market and larger organisations.

This is the fourth acquisition on which the Charles Russell Speechlys team has advised Acora. Since August 2020 the Firm has advised Acora on acquiring Veber, followed by Westgate IT (July 2021) and M9 IT (November 2021). The Charles Russell Speechlys team also advised Acora on its investment round with Palatine Private Equity LLP in March 2020.

Commenting on the deal, David Rabson, CEO at Acora said: “We are delighted to announce the expansion of our group activities to include Secrutiny. We have been working closely with Secrutiny for some time and we are confident that our collaboration will benefit our people and drive forward our growth ambitions.”

David Hemmings, Acora’s Chief Acquisition Officer, added: “I would also like to extend my thanks to the Charles Russell Speechlys team for their invaluable legal advice and direction throughout this process.”

Corporate Partner, Mark Howard, at Charles Russell Speechlys said: “On behalf of the team, it has been a privilege to support Acora on this transaction. This is a significant acquisition for Acora as it continues its growth plans, and we look forward to the exciting opportunities this will bring. This deal demonstrates our strong expertise in the IT managed services and software sectors, and we look forward to working with Acora on future deals.”

The Charles Russell Speechlys team was led by Corporate Tech Partner Mark Howard and Senior Associate Ashwin Pillay, supported by Associate James Scott and Trainee Marc-Us Ong. Partner Rob Birchall and Associate Tessa Newman advised on tax and the team also included Partner Mark Bailey and Associates Rachel Bell, Rayyan Mughal and Anna Sowerby (Commercial), Partner Daniel Sullivan and Associate Adel Shetty (Banking), Senior Associate Becky Lawton and Associate Jack Vaughan (Employment), Associate Lynsey Inglis (Real Estate) and Senior Counsel Paul Stone (Regulatory and Competition).