CMS acts for UK IT solutions provider OCSL on its acquisition by CANCOM

International law firm CMS has advised the parent company of UK IT solutions provider OCSL on its acquisition by Frankfurt-listed CANCOM, a German IT services business with a turnover exceeding €1 billion. Following the sale, OCSL will become CANCOM’s UK-based hub.

OCSL is a leading UK provider of cloud and on premise IT solutions, consultancy and support. It offers a broad portfolio of IT products and services to its clients, ranging from cloud and managed services, IT architecture design and strategic consultancy to data center services, as well as hardware and software. Its purchase by CANCOM creates a major player in the UK market, and establishes a substantial UK-based branch for international clients and the managed services business of the CANCOM Group.

Founder of OCSL Tim Thrower said: "We are excited to become the UK hub of CANCOM, and look forward to the next stage our growth story as we aim to become a more services and cloud centric business.

“CMS’ advice on the transaction was first-rate – they demonstrated a real understanding of our business, providing strategic, tailored advice throughout the process and guiding the deal to a successful close."

Martin Hess, Chairman of OSCL added: "CMS were very much a trusted advisor throughout the transaction, and were instrumental to its successful completion.”

The CMS team was led by Corporate Partner Anthony Waller, with support from Senior Associate Elliot Cowan. Anthony Waller commented: “It was great to have worked with the team at OCSL. This deal offers exciting growth opportunities for OCSL and we are delighted that they have found a strong home for the future.”