News

Cinven said Aug. 29 that it has agreed to sell CPA Global to Leonard Green & Partners LP. Financial terms weren’t announced. CPA Global provides IP software, services and data & analytics for corporates and law firms. The deal is valued at 2.4 billion pounds ($3.1 billion), according to press reports.

PRESS RELEASE

International private equity firm, Cinven, today announces it has agreed to sell CPA Global, the world’s leading Intellectual Property (‘IP’) management and technology company, to Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. (‘LGP’), a leading US buyout firm, for an undisclosed consideration.

CPA Global is the world’s leading provider of IP software, services and data & analytics for corporates and law firms. The business manages more than two million patents for more than 10,000 customers across the globe. The business has 23 offices worldwide and operates from its headquarters in Jersey, Channel Islands.

Cinven acquired CPA Global in March 2012 as part of its strategy of investing in worldclass European-headquartered companies where it can support global growth using its sector expertise and Asian portfolio capabilities.

Cinven acquired the business directly from a group of IP law firms who had originally established the company. Under Cinven’s ownership, CPA Global has achieved strong growth, accelerated its global expansion, and led a successful transformation into a technology-led business.

Over the past five years, Cinven has worked closely with CPA Global’s management team to:

• Achieve double-digit organic EBITDA growth in the company’s core business of IP software and renewals, driven by consistent increases in the total global stock of patents;

IP data and analytics proposition;

• Develop new innovative products for IP professionals to automate IP processes and workflows (including CPA Global File, and CPA Global’s proprietary IP Platform™);
• Complete six bolt-on acquisitions in the IP management sector, including three in the United States, two in Europe, and one in Asia;