Our Corporate Tech M&A team has advised BlakYaks, a leading UK-based consulting company with expertise in cloud transformation and fully automated Microsoft Azure solutions, on its acquisition by Proact IT Group AB (Proact), Europe's leading specialist in data and information management.

The acquisition strengthens Proact's position as a specialist in hybrid cloud services and expands the company's expertise in Azure and cloud native technologies to create even greater customer value.

The transaction includes an initial consideration of £16 million, on a cash- and debt-free basis, and a potential earn-out of up to £11 million, subject to the achievement of certain financial targets, payable over the period 2025–2027.

BlakYaks is a privately owned UK consultancy specialising in cloud native services. Headquartered in London, the company employs around 50 people and has a strong position in the financial services and insurance sectors, with a focus on delivering value-added solutions to medium and large enterprises. BlakYak's revenue for the last twelve months (to February 2025) was £5.6 million with an EBITA of £1.5 million. The business will become part of Proact's Business Unit UK, with BlakYaks’ technology- and customer focus unchanged—now strengthened by the support of its new parent company.

The team advising the founding team at BlakYaks was led by Partner and Head of Tech M&A and VC, Rebecca Burford, supported by Senior Associate Rory Chatterton, Associates Jessica Waldron and Henry Stride, Solicitor Apprentice Maya Thompson (Corporate), Partner Kate Featherston, Principal Associate James Arnold (Tax), Senior Associate Charlotte Whitehead (Pensions), Senior Associate Daniel Phillips (Employment), Principal Associate Zoe Pearman (IP), and Senior Associate Claire Van Ristell (Data Protection).

Rebecca Burford commented: "It was a pleasure to see this true start-up success story come to fruition. Having acted on the initial investment into BlakYaks in 2021, watching how they have expertly executed their growth plans and secure such a successful exit is admirable. This is a fantastic opportunity for BlakYaks to continue its growth and utilise the technical expertise that can be shared with Proact. The two companies already share similar values and solutions, and the move will only help to drive more efficient and innovative ways of working to ultimately benefit their customers. I am looking forward to seeing this partnership evolve."

Dirk Anderson, CEO at BlakYaks, added: "A huge thanks to Rebecca and her team for the expertise, tireless work and guidance throughout this transaction. BlakYaks has found a great parent in Proact Group, and we could not be happier with the support from Gowling WLG under Rebecca's leadership."

Our M&A team provides legal advice on domestic, international or cross-border deals, working with clients long-term to guide them through the most complex corporate transactions with ease. As an established M&A law firm in the region, our lawyers in the UK have the knowledge and experience to advise on a full range of corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions and disposals, strategic investments and joint ventures. We act across a wide spectrum of transaction size, with particular experience in mid-market M&A.