‘Software queen’ Murria plots £100m deal with cash shell

Business

One of Britain’s most prominent technology entrepreneurs is to be reunited with the backers of her biggest corporate success when she takes the helm of a cash shell that will target a £100m software industry takeover.

Sky News has learnt that Vin Murria, who made her investors a fortune when she sold Advanced Computer Software Group (ACS) for nearly £750m in 2014, will on Thursday be appointed as chairman of Marwyn Acquisition Company I, a vehicle which floated this month on the London Stock Exchange.

MAC1 has been assembled by Marwyn, a serial creator of cash shells and orchestrator of takeovers of companies including WeBuyAnyCar-owner BCA Marketplace and Entertainment One, the owner of Peppa Pig.

Sources said that under Ms Murria’s leadership, MAC1 would seek to identify an international software business that would become a platform for further deals.

One insider said it would focus on international takeover opportunities, while Summerway Capital, a separate London-listed vehicle that Ms Murria joined this month, was more likely to pursue a UK-based target.

The appointment of Ms Murria – who has also taken a big stake in the advertising group M&C Saatchi – will again highlight Marwyn’s ability to recruit high-quality executives to spearhead its vehicles’ search for acquisitions.

They previously worked together on the spectacular growth of ACS, with Ms Murria overseeing its transformation from a company valued at £12m until its eventual sale to Vista Equity Partners for more than 60 times that sum just seven years later.

More from Business

Marwyn has drawn up plans for a string of new cash shells, which come after a frenetic year for the launch of such vehicles on the US public markets.

New York’s stock exchanges have seen hundreds of special purpose acquisition companies – or SPACs – listing there, raising tens of billions of dollars for mergers, many of which have involved high-profile technology companies.

A spokesman for MAC1 declined to comment on Wednesday, while Ms Murria could not be reached for comment.

Products You May Like

Articles You May Like

NASA to Unveil New Webb Image on Telescope’s First Anniversary
Simon Harris set to become youngest ever prime minister of Ireland after being named Fine Gael leader | World News
Offshore wind projects could be at risk as demand for steel rises, report warns | Business News
Feds raid Sean Combs properties in LA, Miami on New York warrants
Mini Consequence Crossword: “Exit the Matrix”