PwC advises Sedex on its strategic investment by Apax Funds

PwC is pleased to announce that it has advised Sedex on its strategic investment by Apax Partners. The current majority shareholders, SHL, will retain a shareholding in Sedex under a new name, SHL Membership Ltd (“SHLM”).

The transaction marks another milestone in PwC’s relationship with Sedex, having previously advised on its minority investment from LDC in 2023.

Sedex was founded to make global supply chains more ethical and sustainable – to protect workers, reduce risk and drive lasting improvement across the industries and geographies that need it most. That purpose remains as important today as it was when the company was first established in 2004. SHLM’s decision to retain a significant minority stake reflects its confidence that Sedex’s founding values will be strengthened under Apax's ownership.

The PwC Corporate Finance team acted as sell-side advisor to Sedex and provided end-to-end M&A advice, leveraging its sector expertise and transaction experience to support Sedex throughout the process and deliver a successful outcome. The Deals Insights and Analytics (DIA) and Management Advisory teams of PwC also supported the company, highlighting PwC’s unique integrated deals capabilities.

Sedex was advised on the transaction by the following PwC teams:

• PwC (Corporate Finance): Daniel Gallagher, Charles Chang, Claire Chalouhi, Jon Raggett, Orlaith Buckley, Matthew Varney, Matthew Hayter.
• PwC (DIA): Daniel Stott, Michael Evans.
• PwC (Management Advisory): Duncan Skailes, Nick Posen.

About Sedex:

Sedex is a global technology company specialising in data, insights and professional services to empower supply chain sustainability. Its platform, tools and services enable businesses to easily manage and improve their social, ethical and environmental performance, manage risk and meet their supply chain sustainability goals.

About Apax:

Apax is a global private equity advisory firm investing in mid-market businesses across the Technology, Services and Internet/Consumer sectors. Combining the scale of a global firm with the focus of a sector specialist, Apax works with management teams to create long-term value through operational value creation. With more than 50 years of private equity experience in operational value creation, Apax has raised and advised funds with aggregate commitments of approximately $80 billion.

About SHLM:

SHLM is a membership organisation incorporated as a company limited by guarantee under English law. As a membership organisation, SHLM operates for the mutual benefit of all its members.

About LDC:

LDC is a private equity investor and part of Lloyds Banking Group. It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. LDC has invested £3.7 billion to back 176 management teams over the last decade. Today, it has a portfolio of more than 90 businesses representing all regions and sectors of the UK economy.