Specialist growth capital investor Oxford Capital has exited mobile network optimisation business, Arieso, in an $85 million deal. The sale realised returns of up to 4.7x for investors.

PRESS RELEASE

Specialist growth capital investor Oxford Capital has exited mobile network optimisation business, Arieso, in an US$85 m deal, realising returns of up to 4.7x for investors. The sale to JDSU gives the US-headquartered communications network developer access to Arieso’s advanced technology that allows mobile operators to fine tune their phone networks to improve coverage and connection quality for subscribers.

Oxford Capital led the growth capital funding round in 2008 which enabled Arieso to scale up and roll out its proven technology on a global basis. Arieso is now operating on five continents. Clients include mobile operator groups such as América Móvil, AT&T, MTN, Telefónica and Vodafone. Its technology helps operators address the network data capacity issues that are a result of the growth in use of smartphones and the continually accelerating demand for data vs voice traffic from users.

David Mott, Investment Director, Oxford Capital Partners said:
“Arieso is a great example of an innovative UK business that has developed world-leading technology. We backed the management and business at a key point in its development to enable it to scale up and roll, out its proven technology global basis. The deal delivers excellent returns for investors in Oxford Capital’s Gateway Portfolios who will receive up to 4.7x their original investment.”

Shirin Dehghan, Chief Executive Officer:
“We’re excited about the complementary fit between Arieso and JDSU and the opportunity to extend the customer-centric location aware approach into the service and application domains, allowing mobile network operators to take a truly holistic approach to driving customer experience improvements.”

Arieso raised capital from private equity investors including Oxford Capital Partners, DFJ Esprit (formerly Top Technologies), Carbon Trust and Qualcomm Ventures. The acquisition was supported by Hogan Lovells International LLP and Arma Partners LLP, representing sellers, and DLA Piper, LLP, who worked with JDSU and Arieso to complete the transaction in less than 12 weeks.

For further information please contact:

David Mott, Managing Partner +44 (0)1865 860760
Oxford Capital Partners [email protected]

Mike Lord, Lord Public Relations +44 (0)7831 401 311
[email protected]

Notes to editors

About Oxford Capital www.oxcp.com
Founded in 1999 Oxford Capital is a specialist investment manager working on behalf of institutional and private investors.

The firm is the UK’s leading enterprise financier with EIS capital and manages a range of funds designed for private investors, family offices and institutions to access growth capital opportunities and alternative investments. In the UK, Oxford Capital pioneered the tax efficient Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) Fund which offers a range of tax advantages to investors.

Oxford Capital has offices in the UK, Switzerland and Hong Kong. It manages an international network of partners and advisers to support the development of its portfolio companies.