2i Drives Expansion with nFocus Acquisition
Deal News | Jan 22, 2025 | Macdonald Henderson Ltd
Edinburgh-based 2i Testing has acquired nFocus, the UK's premier testing consultancy, with the assistance of Macdonald Henderson and Stephenson Harwood. This move, following an eight-figure investment from Rockpool into 2i last year, is part of 2i’s strategy to bolster its market presence in the UK, diversify service offerings, and establish itself as a leader in quality assurance. Dave Kelly, CEO of 2i, commended the synergy between 2i and nFocus, highlighting the integration of their quality engineers and leadership as vital to driving operational efficiencies and improving customer experiences. Meanwhile, Danny Crone, founder of nFocus, expressed pride in the business’s success and its alignment with 2i's vision. The partnership will allow both companies to continue operating under their existing brands while enhancing their service capabilities in the quality assurance sector.
Sectors
- Quality Assurance and Testing
- Private Equity
- Legal Advisory
Geography
- United Kingdom – The acquisition involves UK-based companies, 2i Testing in Edinburgh and nFocus, contributing to the UK’s quality assurance and testing sector.
- Scotland – Macdonald Henderson provided Scottish legal support, indicating significant involvement from Scotland in this transaction.
Industry
- Quality Assurance and Testing – The acquisition focuses on consolidating and enhancing service offerings in the quality assurance and testing industry, crucial for improving operational efficiencies and client satisfaction.
- Private Equity – Rockpool's investment in 2i underscores the significant role private equity plays in funding and facilitating business expansions and acquisitions.
- Legal Advisory – The transaction involved legal advisory support from Macdonald Henderson and Stephenson Harwood, which highlights the importance of legal expertise in M&A activities.
Financials
- Eight-figure investment – Refers to Rockpool's substantial investment in 2i last year, laying the financial groundwork for the acquisition.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2i Testing | Bidding Company / Buyer | Company | An Edinburgh-based company seeking to expand its market presence in the UK quality assurance sector. |
| nFocus | Target Company | Company | A leading UK testing consultancy known for its award-winning team of quality engineers. |
| Rockpool | Private Equity Investor | Company | A London-based private equity firm that invested in 2i to support its growth and acquisition strategy. |
| Macdonald Henderson | Legal Advisor | Company | A legal advisory firm that co-advised on the acquisition, providing critical support especially in Scottish corporate and banking law. |
| Stephenson Harwood | Legal Advisor | Company | A global law firm that co-advised with Macdonald Henderson, contributing to the legal facilitation of the acquisition. |
| Dave Kelly | CEO of 2i Testing | People | Chief Executive Officer of 2i Testing who commented on the strategic alignment of the acquisition. |
| Danny Crone | Founder of nFocus | People | Founder of nFocus who expressed pride in the growth of the company and the alignment with 2i's strategic vision. |