Leading North East law firm for businesses, Muckle LLP, has announced the successful completion of the acquisition of Glowsoft Limited by leading haulage software solutions firm Mandata (Management and Data) Services Ltd.
Originally a part-owned subsidiary of Mandata, Glowsoft is now a wholly owned subsidiary in the Mandata group following the sale of shares by its management team Geof Biggins and Phil Hyde for an undisclosed sum.
Cramlington-based Mandata, which has a turnover of £4.7m and employs 55 people, provides integrated transport management systems to haulage companies across the UK and Europe, allowing them to manage their business more efficiently and visibly. Glowsoft develop document management software which has been used exclusively by Mandata for a number of years.
Muckle LLP oversaw the transaction on behalf of Glowsoft, having previously advised Geof and the other management team of Mandata in 2013 during the investment from Synova.
Mark Norcliffe, CEO of Mandata, said: “It was a natural step for us to bring Glowsoft 100% into the Mandata fold, as they’ve been an integral part of our business for a number of years. We are a growing business and continually looking at innovative ways to advance our products and add value to our customers. Geof and Phil will continue to play a role in helping us to further our product offering.”
Corporate finance associate solicitor Adam Rayner led the deal with corporate partner Mike Spetch overseeing the transaction. A major element of the work involved the software’s intellectual property transfer which Muckle LLP’s intellectual property specialist Jill Dovey advised on.
Adam said: “It was fantastic to work with Geof again and we hope this working relationship will continue. I wish Geof and Phil every success in the future.”
Geof Biggins said: “After working with Muckle previously, I was very impressed with the team’s professionalism and expertise across a range of legal fields. Their team is able to complete deals on time and on budget.
“Yet again, it was a seamless transaction thanks to the knowledgeable and professional team with the high standard that I have come to associate with Muckle.”
Phil Hyde said: “I would like to thank Muckle for making the whole transaction from start to finish as straightforward as possible. The team was great to work with and really understood our needs and expectations.”
Muckle LLP is a leading commercial law firm for businesses, based in Newcastle upon Tyne. The firm has nearly 150 people, including 28 partners, and a turnover of £11.4m. It was recently voted Regional Law Firm of the Year at the Solicitors’ Journal Awards and is a three times winner of the Heart of the Community Award for Northumberland and Tyneside region.