Francisco Partners Completes Acquisition of Global Supply Chain Software Company Kewill

Francisco Partners, a leading technology-focused private equity firm, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Kewill, a global trade and logistics software provider. This deal represents Francisco Partners’ sixth take-private transaction in Europe since the beginning of 2009.

“We see a significant opportunity for Kewill as long-term growth and increasing complexity in the trade and transportation of goods drives the need for comprehensive software solutions,” said Deep Shah, a partner for Francisco Partners. “Kewill has a robust product portfolio and an impressive client list of 7,000 customers around the world, including some of the world’s leading multinational companies such as Bayer, Black & Decker, Damco, DHL, Hitachi, Ingersoll Rand, Mothercare, UPS and TNT. We look forward to helping the company achieve its ambitious growth plans and will seek other opportunities to help Kewill expand its offering.”

Founded in 1972, Kewill has offices in eight countries. The company’s software is designed to drive revenue growth and measureable cost savings for its customers through accelerated customs and forwarding, transportation, logistics, e-commerce, and business-to-business integration solutions.

“Francisco Partners brings extensive experience in supporting software companies and the financial and operational flexibility to help Kewill execute upon its long-term strategy,” said Paul Nichols, CEO of Kewill.

HSBC acted as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP acted as legal advisor to Francisco Partners. Investec served as the sole financial advisor to Kewill, and Osborn Clark provided legal counsel to the company.

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