Banyan Software acquires two leading UK and European companies in Q4 2022

Acquisitions of Element34 and Clockwork IT follow the introduction of a dedicated UK and European M&A team, led by northwest-based director

Leading global operator and long-term software investor Banyan Software on Tuesday announced its first two deals following the company’s recent investment in a dedicated and locally based UK and European team.

Banyan, which is based in the US and focuses on acquiring, building and growing successful enterprise software businesses, has acquired specialist software providers Element34, headquartered in Lachen, Switzerland, and Clockwork IT, based in Coventry.

Element34’s flagship product, SBOX, allows enterprises to test the functionality of their web and mobile applications across multiple browsers and mobile devices at scale. Customers include government organizations, global brand owners and several leading European banks and insurance companies.

“We are delighted to be announcing this acquisition with Banyan, who we see as the ideal partner for Element34’s future success. Their unique ‘buy and hold for life’ strategy enables them to take a long-term view in order to maximise the potential for the company. Their team’s expertise in scaling B2B software businesses globally was evident from the outset and we’re truly excited to be working with them in the coming years.”

Michael Palotas • co-founder, Element34

The Element34 acquisition follows the acquisition of Clockwork IT, bringing the Banyan UK and European headcount to roughly 100 full-time employees.

Founded in 2003, Clockwork IT delivers field service management software that helps maximize the efficiency and productivity of thousands of remote workers across the UK. Their core platform, Total CTRL, includes dynamic scheduling tools, mobile app connectivity, an integrated CRM system and automated billing capabilities.

“It was paramount for me to find the right partner to support and drive Clockwork’s long-term success. We’re delighted to have found that in Banyan. The valuable insights and expertise that the team can bring is already clear to us, and we’re excited to be involved with the next chapter of Clockwork’s growth.”

Steve Adams • founder, Clockwork IT

Given the strong pipeline of enterprise software businesses throughout the UK and Europe, Banyan — one of North America’s fastest growing private companies and ranked 10th in Deloitte’s 2021 Technology Fast 500 — is accelerating plans to further expand its M&A team.

“It was clear to us that there is a wealth of opportunity to partner with leading B2B software businesses in the UK and Europe, which led Banyan to invest in a dedicated team on the ground earlier this year.

Now, having closed two acquisitions within weeks of each other, this is a testament to the value that our locally based investment team can bring. We’re delighted to welcome Element34 and Clockwork IT to the Banyan group, and we’re excited to build on our acquisition strategy in 2023.”

Graham Carney • UK and European M&A director, Banyan Software

Banyan was advised on the transaction by Christopher Letters and Jeremy Millington at Gowling WLG and Nicolai Nuber at Kellerhals Carrard in Zurich. London-based M&A advisory firm Ciesco (led by Chris Sahota) and legal firms Osborne Clarke (Chris King) and MLL Legal (Daniel Schoch) advised Element34 on the sale to Banyan.

About Banyan Software, Inc.

Banyan Software acquires, builds and grows enterprise software businesses that have dominant positions in niche markets. Founded in 2016 and backed by a world-class group of software operators, Banyan was set up with a permanent capital base to preserve the legacy of the founders of acquired businesses. Banyan is focused on a long-term buy and hold for life strategy of profitable, growing software companies that serve specialized vertical markets, with annual revenues between $2m and $30m.

Banyan is one of North America’s fastest growing private companies with employees and operations in USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Germany and Switzerland. Banyan is on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies for the second consecutive year and was ranked 10th on Deloitte’s 2021 Technology Fast 500.

Learn how Banyan helps great enterprise software businesses take the next step.