Hazlewoods Corporate Finance team has supported specialist cyber and information security recruitment consultancy, InfoSec People, on its sale to Gattaca plc.
The transaction sees InfoSec People join forces with Gattaca, a leading global specialist in STEM talent solutions, including its technology and engineering recruitment capability, Matchtech, creating an enhanced platform to serve the rapidly growing cyber security market.
Hazlewoods previously advised InfoSec People on its management buyout in June 2023, when Managing Director, Ben Craig, took the helm.
Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength, setting the stage for this latest milestone, where James Whittaker, Hazlewoods Corporate Finance Partner led the negotiations and supported Ben on the sale.
Ben Craig, Head of InfoSec People, said: “There’s a clear cultural fit and a shared ambition that makes this feel like the right move, and one that will help us realise our goal of making InfoSec People the leading cyber security recruitment business in the UK. I will be remaining at InfoSec People and cannot wait to get started.”
Gattaca CEO, Matthew Wragg, added: “Cybersecurity has never been so relevant […] The addition of this expert capability to the group will provide a bigger platform for our new colleagues to positively impact the market and enable us to further enhance our services to our extensive customer base across national critical infrastructure, defence and beyond.”
James Whittaker, Partner at Hazlewoods, commented: “It’s been a privilege to work with InfoSec People at two pivotal moments in their journey. Under Ben’s leadership the business has grown stronger, built a great team, and expanded its market presence.
“This move to join Gattaca is an important evolution for InfoSec People in this rapidly developing space, opening new opportunities for clients, candidates, and the business as a whole.”
Ben added: “Having worked with James during the process of completing the MBO, I know him to be knowledgeable, thoughtful, and above all else, personable.
“James as ever was incredibly engaged in the process and was able to support me with the many complexities of the deal. It was clear that he had the best interests of me and the business in his mind throughout the negotiation phase, and again, he went above and beyond on the more personal aspects, including taking calls out of hours and whilst on holiday.
“I cannot recommend James and Hazlewoods highly enough.”
Infosec was advised by Hazlewoods (Lead Advisor) and HCR Law (Legal), Gattaca were advised by Steele Raymond (Legal), Menzies (Finance and Tax Due Diligence) and Connect Corporate Finance (Buy-Side Advisory).