VirtualDCS Expands Team Post MonacoSol Acquisition
Deal News | Mar 24, 2025 | B Daily
In a significant development, Leeds-based cloud hosting, disaster recovery, and cyber resilience operator VirtualDCS plans to expand its workforce by adding around 12 personnel over the next year. This strategic move follows its acquisition by Manchester-based private equity firm MonacoSol, led by technology and software entrepreneur Richard Beaton and his sons, Ollie and Eddie. The acquisition, completed for an undisclosed amount, sees VirtualDCS co-founders Richard May, John Murray, and Dan Nichols remaining with the company, which has relocated to new premises in Leeds Wellington Place. The acquisition aims to leverage MonacoSol’s resources to enhance VirtualDCS's capabilities and innovation. The deal saw advisory input from law firm Gateley, RSM UK, and Harts Chartered Accountants for MonacoSol, while legal advice for VirtualDCS was provided by LCF Law.
Sectors
- Cloud Computing
- Private Equity
Geography
- United Kingdom – VirtualDCS is based in Leeds, and MonacoSol, the acquiring private equity firm, is located in Manchester, both cities in the UK.
Industry
- Cloud Computing – VirtualDCS operates in the cloud hosting, disaster recovery, and cyber resilience sector, indicating its primary role in cloud computing.
- Private Equity – MonacoSol, a private equity firm, is the buyer in this transaction, highlighting industry involvement in investment and acquisitions.
Financials
- Undisclosed – The purchase price for VirtualDCS by MonacoSol was not disclosed.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| VirtualDCS | Target Company | Company | A Leeds-based firm specializing in cloud hosting, disaster recovery, and cyber resilience services. |
| MonacoSol | Bidding Company | Company | A Manchester-based private equity firm owned by Richard Beaton and managed with his sons. |
| Richard May | Co-Founder of VirtualDCS | Person | Co-founder of VirtualDCS, remaining with the company post-acquisition. |
| John Murray | Co-Founder of VirtualDCS | Person | Co-founder of VirtualDCS, remaining with the company post-acquisition. |
| Dan Nichols | Co-Founder of VirtualDCS | Person | Co-founder of VirtualDCS, remaining with the company post-acquisition. |
| Richard Beaton | Head of MonacoSol | Person | Technology and software entrepreneur, heads the family office MonacoSol. |
| Ollie Beaton | Chief Executive of MonacoSol | Person | Executive leader at MonacoSol, involved in the acquisition of VirtualDCS. |
| Eddie Beaton | Chief Financial Officer of MonacoSol | Person | Financial leader at MonacoSol, involved in the acquisition of VirtualDCS. |
| Rebecca Grisewood | Legal Advisor for MonacoSol | Person | Provided legal advice from the law firm Gateley for MonacoSol’s acquisition of VirtualDCS. |
| Colin Smyth | Corporate Finance Advisor for MonacoSol | Person | Part of RSM UK advising MonacoSol on the acquisition. |
| Jake Hodgson | Corporate Finance Advisor for MonacoSol | Person | Part of RSM UK advising MonacoSol on the acquisition. |
| David Taylor | Accountant for MonacoSol | Person | Part of Harts Chartered Accountants advising MonacoSol on the acquisition. |
| Cathy Cook | Legal Advisor for VirtualDCS | Person | Provided legal advice for VirtualDCS from LCF Law in the acquisition process. |
| Brad Stewart | Legal Advisor for VirtualDCS | Person | Provided legal advice for VirtualDCS from LCF Law in the acquisition process. |