Francisco Partners Completes Acquisition of Blancco Technology Group

SAN FRANCISCO - Francisco Partners, a leading global investment firm that specializes in partnering with technology businesses, today announced the completion of the all-cash acquisition of Blancco Technology Group (“Blancco” or the “Company”) for 223 pence per share, representing an equity valuation of approximately £175 million. As a result of the completion of the transaction, Blancco has ceased trading and is no longer listed on the London stock market.

With over 2,500 customers served across 70 countries, Blancco is a market leader in secure data erasure and mobile lifecycle solutions. The Company’s products allow organizations to protect end-of-life data against unauthorized access, safely redeploy data storage assets, and firmly comply with increased data protection and privacy requirements.

“Since its founding 26 years ago, Blancco has created and delivered innovative solutions, with a focus on building a world class data eraser and diagnostic software platform,” said Matt Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Blancco. “We are pleased to partner with Francisco Partners, who are committed to continuing to build upon the company’s strong foundation and achieve its full potential. I want to thank each employee for their dedication to Blancco and contributing to our continued success.”

“We have been very impressed with the leading market position that Blancco has established through its best-in-class solutions and are thrilled to partner with Blancco’s management team to drive the next phase of expansion,” said Brian Decker, Partner at Francisco Partners, and Karl Shum, Principal at Francisco Partners. “Sustainability and e-waste reduction are increasing strategic priorities for customers of all sizes globally, and we see tremendous organic and inorganic growth opportunities for Blancco worldwide,” added Ravi Bhatt, Vice President at Francisco Partners.

Rothschild & Co served as financial adviser and Travers Smith LLP acted as legal adviser to Blancco. Canaccord Genuity served as financial adviser and Ropes & Gray International LLP acted as legal adviser to Francisco Partners.

About Blancco Technology Group

Blancco Technology Group provides organizations with secure, compliant, and automated solutions that accelerate the transition to the circular economy. Each year, tens of millions of Blancco erasures allow top-tier organizations to protect end-of-life data against unauthorized access, safely redeploy data storage assets, and firmly comply with increased data protection and privacy requirements. Our precise device diagnostics help move used IT assets confidently into the circular economy, enabling enterprises, IT asset disposition (ITAD) vendors and recyclers, and mobile industry stakeholders to operate more sustainably.

Globally approved, recommended and certified by governing and industry bodies around the world, Blancco is the industry standard in data erasure and mobile diagnostics. With 35+ patented or patent-pending ideas, we continue to grow the number of innovative solutions global companies can rely on to accelerate operations, secure their data, and grow their businesses. Read more about us at www.blancco.com.

About Francisco Partners

Francisco Partners is a leading global investment firm that specializes in partnering with technology and technology-enabled businesses. Since its launch nearly 25 years ago, Francisco Partners has invested in more than 400 technology companies, making it one of the most active and longstanding investors in the technology industry. With approximately $45 billion in capital raised to date, the firm invests in opportunities where its deep sectoral knowledge and operational expertise can help companies realize their full potential. For more information on Francisco Partners, please visit www.franciscopartners.com.

Media Contacts

Francisco Partners
Whit Clay / Sarah Braunstein
[email protected] / [email protected]