Blandy & Blandy has advised the shareholders of Reading-based HANDD Business Solutions on HANDD’s sale to Acora, a leading business technology services partner in IT, Cyber Security and Data and AI.
Founded in 2006, HANDD specialises in secure data transfer, automation, and orchestration for organisations worldwide. The transaction includes the sale of HANDD’s entities and operations in the UK, Malaysia, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong. Backed by private equity investment firm LDC, Acora is a leading business technology services partner, specialising in managed services across IT, cyber security and data and AI. The acquisition will take Acora’s annualised revenue for 2026 to approximately £100 million.
David Rabson, chief executive at Acora, said: “Ian and Anthony have built a genuine, niche service provider with a blue-chip client list and a highly capable team. We were again able to complete this deal off-market and at pace, which is a hallmark of how we approach M&A. Equally important to me was their collective desire to stay with Acora, continuing to hold senior roles as we integrate and grow the combined business.”
Anthony Hodges, co-founder at HANDD, added: “To be able to drive the Asia-Pac region for HANDD and now Acora was a big part of the attraction. We will now have a combined team in Malaysia with nearly 100 staff, as we look to further grow together.”
Ian Davin, co-founder at HANDD, added: “Having known the Acora business for some time and working closely with David and his senior team over the past few years, it became clear that this was the right moment to join forces. Becoming part of a larger group gives us the additional firepower we need to better serve our loyal customer base.
We have worked with the excellent team at Blandy & Blandy for many years, and we are grateful to them for all their assistance with the sale process. Their hands-on advice, expertise and humour was invaluable in helping us to get the deal over the line on time, and with our sanity intact.”
In the firm’s Corporate and Commercial team, partner Peter Woolley led the transaction with support from associate Emma Ford. Further support was provided by partner John Dingle, in the Commercial Property team, and partner Sue Dowling and senior associate Victoria Eustace, in the Employment Law team.
Acora was advised by Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP.
Peter Woolley commented: “We were delighted to advise the HANDD shareholders on this interesting and rewarding transaction, which included a number of cross-border challenges and complexities. I expect Ian and Anthony to play a key role in helping to assist with HANDD’s integration into Acora’s wider offering of business technology services.”
Blandy & Blandy is widely recognised in Chambers UK Guide and The Legal 500.
For further information or legal advice, please contact law@blandy.co.uk or call 0118 951 6800.
