Francisco Partners

Canaccord Genuity Acted as a Financial Advisor to Francisco Partners on its Acquisition of Blancco Technology Group Plc

Canaccord Genuity is pleased to announce it has advised US-based private equity fund Francisco Partners, on its £175 million acquisition of AIM listed Blancco Technology Group Plc (“Blancco”).

Francisco Partners acquired Blancco by way of a recommended cash offer subject to the UK Takeover Code. Canaccord Genuity acted as sole financial adviser to Francisco Partners and BidCo.

Blancco is a market leader in secure data erasure and mobile lifecycle solutions. The company’s core product offering is an array of B2B secure data erasure software provided to enterprises, IT asset disposal (ITAD) vendors and the mobile industry. Blancco allows organizations to protect end-of-life data against unauthorised access, safely redeploy data storage assets, and firmly comply with increased data protection and privacy requirements. Blancco’s precise device diagnostics supports the transition to the circular 4 economy by enabling IT assets to be safely reused, helping enterprises, ITAD, recyclers, and mobile industry stakeholders to operate more sustainably.

Francisco Partners is a leading global investment firm that specializes in partnering with technology and technology-enabled businesses. Since its launch over 20 years ago, Francisco Partners has invested in more than 400 technology companies, making it one of the most active and longstanding investors in the technology industry. With approximately $45 billion in capital raised, the firm invests in opportunities where its deep sectoral knowledge and operational expertise can help companies realize their full potential.

Francisco Partners has extensive experience with assisting growing software companies such as Blancco in creating long-term value and the acquisition is expected to accelerate organic and inorganic growth by providing access to additional capital, expertise and resources under private ownership.

This transaction continues Canaccord Genuity’s activity in public M&A transactions, having advised on 10 UK Takeover Code transactions over the past 24 months.