SCD Advisory closes second sale to Dutch Microsoft partner

For the second time in a few months, boutique dealmaker SCD Advisory has closed a deal with fast growing Microsoft specialist Rapid Circle. 

Earlier this year, SCD Advisory helped the shareholders of Brisbane-headquartered Insync Technology through its sale to Rapid Circle, a Netherlands-headquartered group with strong growth ambitions in the Australian Microsoft services market. 

Founded in 2013, Insync Technology is a Microsoft partner with around 45 employees. Becoming part of Rapid Circle has according to general manager Nathan Belling “opened up incredible opportunities for staff and the firm’s customers” by adding capability and capacity in areas that are in high demand. 

On the collaboration with SCD Advisory, Belling stated: “SCD Advisory were great to have on our side throughout the transaction process. There is a considerable amount of work required in a transaction process and having their guidance and preparation beforehand ensured it all ran smoothly. They were able to coach us through the many decisions that needed to be made and ensure a successful outcome was achieved.” 

Last week, Rapid Circle closed a second deal in Australia; the acquisition of Microsoft partner Adopt & Embrace. Founded in 2015, Adopt & Embrace helps organisations with adopting Office 365 apps including Microsoft Teams, Yammer, SharePoint, OneDrive and Planner. The firm specialises in the change management side of transitions – including optimising adoption, training and development, and culture. 

Yet again, Rapid Circle’s target and now newly-wed partner was represented by SCD Advisory. “I am very thankful to the SCD Advisory team for their M&A advice and guidance throughout the process: A simple deal in their world but it has made a world of difference for us,” said Paul Woods, the founder of Adopt & Embrace. 

On both deals, sell-side legal advisory was provided by law firms Maddocks and JB Law. 

Commenting on the transactions, SCD Advisory founder Pierre Briand said: “Both deals are a good example of how being well-organised can de-stress the transaction process, even in the case of a cross border deal during an uncertain business and working environment due to the Covid-19 pandemic.” 

Backed by private equity, Rapid Circle aims to grow into a global Microsoft player by 2027, with Australia the first market on the Dutch group’s global roadmap. “We wish Rapid Circle great success in building a leader within Australia’s Microsoft ecosystem,” added Briand.

Earlier this year, SCD Advisory, among others, also led two sell-side mandates in the management consulting landscape (the sale of Cubane Consulting to Nous Group and that of Hypothesis to McKinsey & Company), and the sale of SAP consultancy Acclimation to Capgemini.