Porter Dodson advises Ashridge Capital on the sale of Marclay

David Culshaw, partner in the Porter Dodson Corporate Commercial Team, has acted for Ashridge Capital on the sale of Marclay to a US-based global cyber-security services business, only four months after investing in it.

Marclay is a cyber security firm based in the United Kingdom that specialises in the protection of organisations across the globe against cyber attacks. The founders and core team members have backgrounds in UK government and Military Intelligence, specifically in covert and technical operations against the international threats posed post 9/11.

Ashridge Capital is a private equity investor focused on partnering with ambitious management teams, providing private equity capital and a proven track record in helping build successful and market-leading businesses.

The Corporate Commercial Team advised Ashridge Capital on all corporate aspects of the sale, including advising on the terms of the share sale agreement through to completion. The team was led by partner David Culshaw, supported by Matthew Jackson and Robert Moger.

David Culshaw commented:

“The deal progressed incredibly smoothly due to a pragmatic approach taken by all parties. The transaction came a little out of the blue, Ashridge having invested only very recently, but it was great to be able to help in a transaction that has produced such a fantastic result for the investors. Clearly a very desirable business.”

David Sherratt, founder and CEO of Ashridge Capital, commented:

“Following an unsolicited approach from BlueVoyant Inc, we are delighted to have delivered a return of 1,439% and 2.6x for our underlying investors after just four months ownership. David and his team at Porter Dodson performed a key role, both on the initial investment and exit, enabling a smooth and timely completion of the deal.”