REG - Softcat PLC - Acquisition of Oakland Group Services Ltd

SoftcatAnnouncement

07/04/2025 09:00

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RNS Number : 7945D  Softcat PLC  07 April 2025

SOFTCAT plc

('Softcat', the 'Group')

 

Acquisition of Oakland Group Services Ltd

Acquisition bolsters Softcat's growing data, automation and AI capabilities

Softcat plc (LSE: SCT.L), a leading UK provider of IT infrastructure products
and services, today announces the acquisition of Oakland Group Services Ltd
('Oakland'), a specialist provider of data and AI consultancy services. The
acquisition of Oakland further strengthens Softcat's ability to support
customers at every stage of their data journey.

Oakland's specialist consultancy services range from data strategy and
governance, through to architecture and engineering, analytics and AI. This is
an exciting growth segment of Softcat's market, with increasing demand from
large and mid-market customers across both the corporate and public sectors
for expert advice and execution on their data priorities.  The addition of
Oakland's deep expertise in data to Softcat's broader portfolio will bring
significant benefits to the combined entity's customer base, augmenting the
Group's ability to support customers across all key areas of their rapidly
evolving technology infrastructure.

Oakland is headquartered in Leeds, UK, employing 70 people, and in the twelve
months to 31 December 2024 generated revenue of c.£10m. Oakland is an
existing partner to Softcat, with strong cultural affinity and aligned
leadership values, and our combined strengths have resonated well with
customers to date. As part of the transaction, Oakland's leadership team will
join Softcat to run the business initially as a standalone operating unit,
aligning with Softcat's sales team to maximise the shared growth opportunity.

A payment of £8m has been funded by Softcat's existing cash, with further
contingent payments over the next 3-years depending on performance. The
transaction does not affect Softcat's previously communicated financial
guidance.

Graham Charlton, Softcat CEO, commented:

"Data is one of the biggest opportunities ahead of us as innovation in
technology continues to shift rapidly towards a more automated and AI-driven
world. Our customers need expert support to navigate this transition, so by
combining Softcat's market presence and broad portfolio with Oakland's
specialist capabilities, we can guide customers through every stage of this
journey. The acquisition of Oakland delivers an immediate, strategically
important addition to our portfolio of services, and most importantly brings
into the Softcat family a fantastic group of people who we know well and who
align closely to our culture and values."

 

Richard Corderoy, Oakland CEO, added:

"We are excited to join forces with Softcat. By combining our deep expertise
in data and AI consulting with Softcat's extensive portfolio and market
presence, we can deliver unparalleled value and innovation to our clients.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey, and we're
looking forward to achieving great things together."

 

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Softcat plc:
                       +44 (0)1628 403 403

Graham Charlton, Chief Executive Officer

Katy Mecklenburgh, Chief Financial Officer

Michael Watts, Head of Investor Relations

 

FTI Consulting LLP:
           +44 (0)20 3727 1000

Ed Bridges

Matt Dixon

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