Leicestershire software firm snapped up by private equity-backed rival

Chris Rigg of Mandata

Coalville-based transport software firm Stirling Solutions has been sold to a private equity-backed counterpart.

Mandata, the Newcastle firm which is supported by private equity house LDC, has acquired Stirling Solutions.

The new company will serve 2,000 customers and employ 120 staff. The companies develop software for the road transport and logistics industry.

In June 2018, LDC invested in Mandata and last it acquired Returnloads.net, the UK’s largest online haulage and freight exchange.

Chris Rigg, CEO of Mandata Group said: “This is an incredibly exciting announcement which brings together the two of the largest providers of TMS solutions to the road transport and logistics sector.

“Both companies have worked tirelessly to create solutions that really help their customers improve the way they operate their business. By bringing Stirling Solutions into our wider group we will be able to service the needs of those customers more effectively as we move forward in a market placing increased pressure on operators.”

Jonathan Ball remains managing director of Stirling and joins the Mandata Group Board with immediate effect. He said: “I am very proud of the team that we have built at Stirling and of the products we have developed. Joining the Mandata Group gives us an opportunity to take things to the next level and achieve more than we could have done by ourselves.”

Gareth Marshall, head of LDC at Newcastle, added: “This deal is an important milestone in Mandata’s ambitious growth plan and we’re confident that the newly formed Group will take advantage of the skills and products Stirling Solutions brings to the table.

“UK transport, and the infrastructure that supports it, is becoming increasingly digital. The Mandata Group is well positioned to help the road haulage industry thrive in this fast-changing environment.”

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