International law firm Bird & Bird has assisted Vitruvian Partners, the global growth and technology-focused investment firm, in their signing of the agreement to sell Benify, a global benefits administration software provider, to Apax-backed Zellis.
As part of the transaction, Benify will be combined with Zellis Groups’ benefits administration and employee engagement software business, Benefex, to create a leading global benefits, reward, recognition, and employee engagement software provider with an enhanced value proposition to customers globally.
This transaction represents an exciting opportunity for both companies and marks a significant milestone for Benify on its international growth journey.
The Bird & Bird team worked closely with Vitruvian Partners in negotiating and finalising this deal, and the matter showcases our strong corporate practice and their ability to handle extensive international cross-border transactions for global clients. The Bird & Bird team was led by partner Mårten Willamo (Corporate, Stockholm), senior associate Sofia Ekeryd (Corporate, Stockholm) and partner Jonathan Angell (UK law, Corporate, London) with support from, Andreas Eklöf (Corporate), Michael Butler (Corporate), Freja Jacobsson (Corporate), Barbara Barun (Employment), Gunnar Hjalt (IPR), Beatrice Rälg (Commercial), Hans Kalderén (Commercial), Mattias Lindberg (Commercial), and Eleonora Pavliouk (Regulatory).
The deal is subject to customary approvals by relevant authorities.
Vitruvian is a leading international investment firm with offices across London, Stockholm, Munich, Madrid, Luxembourg, Miami, San Francisco and Shanghai. Vitruvian has a strong presence in the Nordics and focuses on market-leading high-growth companies in industries spanning information technology, financial services, life sciences & healthcare, media, and business and consumer services. With the firm’s unique offering and expertise, Bird & Bird has assisted Vitruvian Partners with several strategic platform and add-on investments over the years.
