Deals

Electra Partners today announces that it has made a binding offer to purchase a portfolio of UBM’s Data Services businesses for £160 million (subject to consultation with the relevant works council in France and certain regulatory and other approvals). The businesses provide data and information products which professionals use to support their decision-making and day-to-day business activities. Operating in 28 countries worldwide, the businesses serve a wide range of sectors including healthcare, technology & IP, global trade, aviation and forest products. 

Electra Private Equity PLC and the Electra Partners Club 2007 LP will invest approximately £114 million and £13 million respectively at completion.

Commenting on this offer, Alex Fortescue, Chief Investment Partner at Electra Partners, said:

“UBM’s Data Services businesses are a robust and diverse portfolio of businesses offering mission critical data products to users across five continents and five vertical segments. We are excited by the opportunities to develop these businesses and deliver value growth.

“The last few Electra deals have been bank related assets – this deal demonstrates the other area of Electra’s investment strategy – investing in management buyouts with a sweetspot of £75 million to £300 million enterprise value.” 

Henry Elkington, Chief Executive Officer at UBM Data Services, said:

“We are delighted to be working with Electra Partners to realise the full potential of our businesses. 

“We have a portfolio of strong brands, delivering our core proposition of must-have business information and decision-support services. We operate globally and hold market leadership in most of the niches we serve. Digital subscriptions are our largest revenue type and a growing proportion of the total. We look forward to working with Electra Partners to strengthen our business.”