LAW firm Watson Burton has advised the shareholders of UK distributor Vigil Software on the sale of a majority stake of the business to Infinigate Group, a leading European specialist security distributor.
Switzerland-based Infinigate has been searching for a UK partner for three years. Its majority stake in Vigil Software supports its aim of becoming Europe’s largest IT security value added distributor (VAD).
Newcastle-based Watson Burton’s head of corporate Duncan Reid led the legal team for this complex transaction. The firm has worked with London-based Vigil Software for over three years. He said: “We completed this deal quickly and smoothly, reinforcing the national and technology sector strengths of our law firm.
“Vigil is a fast-growing, successful operation which complements Infinigate’s ambitious aims. We are delighted that the sale has completed successfully to the benefit of both companies.”
Vigil’s commercial and sales directors Alex Teh and Murray Pearce retain significant shareholdings and will continue as directors to run the UK operation. The company’s silent shareholders, based in New Zealand, sold up as part of the transaction.
Vigil Software’s Murray Pearce said: “We are focusing on driving forward momentum. Vigil has achieved 33% growth for the past five years, and we’re now well-positioned to become the top security VAD in the UK.
“Duncan Reid has become a trusted member of our team and Watson Burton has worked with us on this new partnership with Infinigate from the outset. The expertise and commitment of the team was an enormous help in getting it completed quickly.”
The Watson Burton legal team also included real estate associate Michael Shuker, corporate solicitor Helen Foy and employment solicitor Helen Scott. Baker Tilly provided corporate finance advice on behalf of the shareholders.
Vigil Software sources and markets information security solutions that help to protect information, comply with legislation and regulation and improve productivity.
In the new partnership, Vigil will retain its brand, running as an “Infinigate company” and operating autonomously as a separate legal entity.
David Martinez, chief executive of Infinigate Group, said: “The acquisition is a key milestone for Infinigate, as with the UK and Germany we now cover Europe’s two biggest IT markets.
“It took a few years until we found the right partner in the UK. With Vigil Software we found our soul mate: same strategy, same spirit, same dedication and same successful development as Infinigate. “
The expertise and commitment of the team was an enormous help in getting it completed quickly
