National accountancy group Evelyn Partners’ Bristol corporate finance team has been commended by the MD of a UK software developer for its role in the sale of the business to a leading global technology company.
Led by director Paul Stagg, Evelyn Partners’ the team acted as lead advisor on the acquisition of Method4, a specialist in agile software development and content management systems (CMS), by Aspire Systems. 
The deal is the latest in a series of UK-based technology company sales to international buyers handled by the team.
Cardiff-based Method4, which was founded in 2005, has cultivated a reputation for excellence and agility over the past two decades, including becoming a Microsoft Partner and an Umbraco Gold Partner.
Method4’s 50-strong team will now join Aspire’s UK workforce, enhancing its service delivery and client engagement.
Method4 managing director Christian Coates said: “The team at Evelyn Partners managed the transaction from start to finish, including the identification of Aspire Systems as the preferred counterparty. 
“Paul’s outside-the-box thinking, patience and unwavering commitment was pivotal to achieving this result, and I recommend him highly for any tech entrepreneurs considering how to exit their business.”
He added that joining forces with Aspire Systems presented an “incredible opportunity” for Method4 to broaden its market reach and tackle more ambitious projects.
“This acquisition not only strengthens our business prospects but also supports our commitment to providing a vibrant and rewarding work environment for our colleagues,” he said
“Both companies share a deep focus on employee well-being, exceptional client partnerships, technological leadership, and fostering a collaborative workplace culture.”
This deal significantly expands Chennai-headquartered Aspire’s delivery capabilities in Europe, with Method4’s base becoming its second-largest European delivery hub after Gdansk in Poland.
The takeover also strengthens its UK footprint, especially within the public sector.
As Aspire’s third acquisition in Europe, it also reflects the group’s deliberate focus on growing its European presence.
Aspire Systems chairman and CEO Gowri Shankar Subramanian said: “We are thrilled to welcome Method4 into the Aspire family.
“This partnership allows us to bolster our presence in the UK and the wider European market, enhancing our delivery capabilities and service offerings.
“Our shared vision, strategic goals, and cultural alignment make this integration a natural fit, promising significant value for our clients and employees.”
Paul Stagg, pictured, said the sale not only reinforced the high levels of demand from overseas for UK tech businesses but reflected the strength of Evelyn Partners’ international network.
“Retaining the local team and high-quality services that the customers value was crucial to the founders of Method4, and I am delighted we were able to structure a transaction to achieve this,” he added.
Legal advice to Method4 was provided by international law firm Fieldfisher.
