Reading's YFM Equity Partners completes partial sale of Vuealta to Anaplan

By Stephen Emerson

19 January 2023

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YFM Equity Partners (YFM) has partially exited planning and forecasting software business Vuealta.

YFM, which has offices in Reading, this week announced the partial exit of its investment in Vuealta through the sale of its software division to partner and supply chain solutions business Anaplan.

Vuealta was originally introduced to YFM by HMT Corporate Finance.

California-based Anaplan acquired the software division for an undisclosed amount with the deal representing a significant increase on the sum originally invested by YFM.

YFM remains invested in the core Vuealta consulting business.

Reading-based David Wrench, Partner at YFM Equity Partners, said: “To realise such a strong return for our investors through a partial sale only 18 months after our original investment is a great achievement. It underlines the strength of the proposition built by Ian and the team at Vuealta and our ability to identify and support commercial potential in early-stage technology businesses. We look forward to continuing to partner with Vuealta, under Philip and Nigel’s leadership, on the next phase of its exciting growth journey.

YFM has invested a total of £5.6 million in Vuealta over the past 18 months to support the growth of its services offering and to fund the development of its software division.

Following YFM's investment, Vuealta’s software division rapidly developed and demonstrated its business potential, which led to the decision by Anaplan to acquire and continue its development in-house.

YFM worked closely with Vuealta and Anaplan on the carve out of the division, which included the acquisition of nineteen Vuealta employees including its senior team led by CEO Ian Stone, moving to Anaplan’s global team.

Philip Hunt, Chair, continues with Vuealta under its International Managing Directors, with Nigel Gale promoted to Chief Executive Officer of the global business.

Philip Hunt, Chair of Vuealta said “We wish Ian and the team every success as we look forward to continuing our trusted partnership with Anaplan by providing high-quality planning solutions across multiple industry sectors in Asia Pacific, EMEA and North America. I am delighted Nigel Gale will be leading Vuealta going forward. A highly experienced industry veteran, Nigel has been part of Vuealta and Anaplan since 2015, making him ideally qualified to lead our business. With economic volatility and increasing digital transformation presenting major opportunities and challenges to businesses worldwide, demand for dynamic business planning solutions among our client base has never been greater.”

Picture: iStock

By Stephen Emerson

Stephen Emerson is the Managing Editor of The Business Magazine and is responsible for the publication's print publications and online properties including the newly launched Biz News websites in Hampshire and Dorset.

Stephen has been a journalist for 20 years and has worked at local, regional and national publications and led a team which made The Scotsman website one of the fastest growing news sites in the UK with over eight million monthly users.

He has a keen interest in technology, property and corporate finance and telling the stories of the people behind the successful firms in these sectors.