We have advised Kester on the acquisition of Databalance, a Dutch managed IT services provider serving the upper mid-market.
Kester is a leading London-based private equity firm that invests exclusively in the Life Sciences and Technology sectors across the UK and Europe. Within Technology, the firm backs B2B software, data and information services, and tech-enabled services businesses, typically those operating in growing markets with scalable models. Kester is a hands-on partner, drawing on a network of sector executives and specialists to support management teams through their growth phase.
Databalance was established as a managed services platform in 2020 with the aim of building a full-stack, security-driven IT partner for Dutch organisations that are too complex for smaller MSPs and are not well served by the global system integrators. The company delivers cloud and infrastructure, Microsoft 365 and modern workplace, cybersecurity, and data and AI services from 3 offices in the Netherlands. Databalance has grown organically alongside a series of capability acquisitions that have been well integrated into a single operating platform, delivering high-quality, business-critical services.
For Databalance's customers, the investment by Kester means additional scale and investment capacity behind the same teams, service levels and contracts they work with today. The company will continue to operate under its own brand and leadership, so customers can rely on the same specialised support for the business-critical environments they depend on. The partnership also creates a platform for the next phase of growth. Kester brings relevant sector and growth acceleration experience, supporting Databalance in extending its national footprint and completing its service offering, while the existing management team continues to lead the business day to day.
This transaction further strengthens Clearwater’s track record in the IT managed services industry, building on local expertise and cross-border deal execution involving both M&A advisory and debt advisory teams.
