BPE backs sale of Cheltenham’s Gemba Advantage to Surrey firm

Actica, a technical and management consultancy based in Guildford, has acquired software and data engineering business Gemba Advantage in a deal advised by BPE Solicitors.

This marks the second acquisition for Actica since securing a major investment from Sovereign Capital Partners in 2022, having absorbed digital engineering practice Ntegra this August.

Founded in Cheltenham by Dave Mann, Shelley Wood and Edd Savage, Gemba is now headquartered in London.

It employs more than 70 people and counts BAE Systems among its clients.

The firm’s management was advised by Kathryn King, partner and head of corporate and commercial at BPE, with support from solicitor Sarah Lungley and paralegal Jasmine Bailey, among others.

BPE has worked with the firm from early startup to exit.

Kathryn said: “We’ve thoroughly enjoyed working on this transaction with the team at Gemba Advantage and everything that we’ve done with them from the beginning.

“What’s been really clear throughout is the absolute focus the business has on their employees.

“They’re the very definition of a ‘people-oriented business’ and we look forward to watching them continue to thrive.”

Dave Mann, CEO of Gemba, added: “We’re so pleased to have had BPE by our side at every stage of our growth and throughout this transaction.

“The whole team has worked with us seamlessly from the start, and we’re excited about the future prospects for Gemba Advantage going forward.”