PUBLIC Sold to Solita in Strategic Acquisition
Deal News | Feb 13, 2025 | Freeths LLP
Freeths LLP, a leading law firm, has successfully advised the shareholders of PUBLIC Group International Limited on its acquisition by Solita, a Finland-based company backed by the Apax Digital Fund I. PUBLIC, a digital transformation partner specialized in the public sector, serves high-profile clients including the UK Ministry of Defence, the NHS, and supranational organizations like NATO and the EU. Solita, focused on technology, data, and design, sees this acquisition as a step to enhance capabilities in strategic consulting, business design, and AI. Solita, partly owned by its employees and advised by Apax Partners LLP, will allow PUBLIC to continue operating as an independent entity within the Solita Group. The team at Freeths, led by Corporate Managing Associate Edward Chapman along with other key partners and associates, played a pivotal role in the transaction, bringing their experience in handling complex deals. The leadership at PUBLIC expressed high regard for Freeths' proficiency and dedication throughout the process. This acquisition signifies a promising avenue for PUBLIC to further its impact and innovation in the public sector.
Sectors
- Legal Services
- Digital Transformation
- Private Equity
- Public Sector Solutions
Geography
- United Kingdom – PUBLIC Group International is based in the UK and serves government organizations there.
- Finland – Solita, the acquiring company, is headquartered in Finland.
- Europe – The deal involves companies from different European countries, impacting the broader European digital transformation market.
Industry
- Legal Services – Freeths LLP is a law firm involved in advising on the sale.
- Digital Transformation – Both PUBLIC and Solita operate in the digital transformation sector, providing technology and design services.
- Private Equity – Apax Digital Fund I, a private equity fund, supports Solita in the acquisition.
- Public Sector Solutions – PUBLIC is focused on serving government and public sector organizations.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PUBLIC Group International Limited | Target company | Company | A digital transformation partner specializing in the public sector. |
| Solita | Acquiring company | Company | A technology, data, and design company based in Finland. |
| Apax Digital Fund I | Private Equity Investor | Company | A technology-focused growth equity fund, advised by Apax Partners LLP. |
| Freeths LLP | Legal advisor | Company | A leading law firm advising on the sale of PUBLIC to Solita. |
| Edward Chapman | Corporate Managing Associate | Person | Led the Freeths team advising on the transaction. |
| Emily Settle | Partner | Person | Part of the Freeths team involved in the transaction. |
| Alexander de Carvalho | PUBLIC Team | Person | Part of the key personnel at PUBLIC during the transaction. |