Deal boosts investigation software firm
Glasgow-based Altia Solutions Ltd acquires ABM United Kingdom Ltd
Altia Solutions Ltd, the fast-growing investigation software firm, has acquired ABM United Kingdom Ltd – providers of software for law enforcement and intelligence sectors around the world. Altia Solutions will now embark on a comprehensive customer-led development programme to further tailor the combined services and products of the enlarged business.
The acquisition, which completed on Tuesday, August 9, marks the most significant expansion for the Glasgow-based firm – whose clients include every police force in the UK and government departments including HMRC – since its inception in 2002. The combined business will double the size of Altia Solutions while retaining the staff and operations at the Glasgow HQ and at ABM’s Nottingham base.
Ian Watson, Managing Director at Altia Solutions, said: “This deal represents a great opportunity to extend our market share in the UK and abroad, and is an excellent fit with our business. It’s not just about expansion, it is about evolution of the products and services.
“ABM has a terrific and proven track record, and by fusing the knowledge, skills and experience of the people of both Altia Solutions and ABM we are creating an environment that will allow both companies to continue to develop their market leading investigative software tools and assist investigators in their continuous fight against crime.”
Altia Solutions provides investigation and fraud products to both public and private sector customers. Beyond the UK, its products are being used by the Canadian and Australian police and tax authorities as well as the authorities in South Africa, Hong Kong, Central and South America.
ABM United Kingdom Ltd supplies covert investigation management software to the majority of UK police forces as well as forces and investigation authorities in Canada and Australia.
Altia Solutions was advised in the deal by Johnston Carmichael. Lyn Calder, director in the firm’s corporate finance team, said: “Altia Solutions is a great example of a Scottish tech company with a terrific product and a robust strategy, and this acquisition is an important element of delivering its bold vision for growth.
“This puts the Altia team in a prime position in the UK market with a scalable proposition for customers providing a strong platform for taking the business further into the UK and international markets.”
The deal was funded by Santander, led by structured finance director Roddy Kilpatrick. He said: “We are delighted to support the ambitious team at Altia Solutions in providing growth capital funding to support the ABM acquisition. The transaction brings two highly complementary software businesses together and we are proud to play an important role in Altia’s exciting growth strategy.”
The value of the deal has not been disclosed.
For more information or interviews with Ian Watson, contact:
Mike Findlay, The BIG Partnership 07889 536657 / mike.findlay@bigpartnership.co.uk
Bryan Garvie, The BIG Partnership07863 208045 / bryan.garvie@bigpartnership.co.uk
About Altia Solutions
Altia Solutions is the expert in the development of investigation and fraud detection software solutions. Its software allows law enforcement authorities to record every detail of a criminal investigation; interrogate and analyse fraudulent financial data and also manage document integration with the Home Office’s own investigation system.
It works with public and private sectors in the UK and internationally, with the objective of allowing the focus to remain on investigative work.
