Insight Venture Partners Buys Anaqua and SGA2 SAS from Beacon Equity Partners

Beacon Equity Partners said Monday that it has completed its sale of Anaqua and SGA2 SAS to Insight Venture Partners. No financial terms were disclosed. Marks Baughan & Co. was the investment banker for the transaction. With offices in Boston, London and France, Anaqua is a provider of intellectual property software. SGA2 SAS is a France-based provider of patent annuity and trademark renewal services.

PRESS RELEASE

BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Beacon Equity Partners LLC, a private equity firm that invests in innovative software companies, today announced that it has completed the sale of Anaqua Inc and SGA2 SAS to Insight Venture Partners. Anaqua is a provider of intellectual property software.
Beacon founded Anaqua Inc, a leading provider of intellectual property software, in 2005.
“Eight years ago, we recognized what Anaqua could one day become. Today, thanks to the hard work and dedication of Anaqua’s leadership and employees, together with the resources and support provided by our firm, we are proud that potential has been realized,” said Ed Mullen, Chairman of Beacon Equity and former Chairman of Anaqua. “I’m sure Anaqua will enjoy continued success in the years ahead, boosted by the wealth of talent and ideas within the company.”
Mullen added, “I’d like to recognize several people who were key to Anaqua’s success through the years. They include Paul DiGiammarino, the first CEO of Anaqua, who played a vital role in the early years of the company; two of the original developers, Steve Cook and Paul Austin, who were with us from the very beginning; Joe Bradley, Senior Managing Director at Beacon Equity, who was instrumental in founding Anaqua and in the acquisition of SGA2 SAS; and Ian Reid and Jack Morgan, who each made important contributions to the company’s success. I would also like to pay tribute to Priya Iyer, who became CEO of Anaqua in 2009 and did a great job for us. We are incredibly grateful for the contributions of this remarkable team.”
Beacon also managed the acquisition of SGA2 SAS, a French company that provides patent annuity and trademark renewal services globally. The acquisition of SGA2 and the addition of CEO Gerard Borin and his team were complementary to Anaqua and were critical to driving overall growth.
“I would like to thank Ed Mullen, the former Chairman of Anaqua and Beacon Equity, who had the vision to found Anaqua and acquire SGA2,” said Board Member Chip Poli. “Ed helped to guide the successful growth and evolution of both companies. I’d also like to congratulate SGA2 CEO, Gerard Borin, who built an exceptional company.”
Marks Baughan & Co. was the investment banker, and GTC Law Group LLP & Affiliates were the legal advisors on the transaction.
About Beacon Equity Partners
Beacon is a private equity firm investing in innovative software and services companies focused in the corporate legal and law firm markets. For over a decade it has invested in and assisted European and Asia-Pac companies expand to North America with a particular focus in Germany, Switzerland, France and the UK. Our portfolio companies benefit from our strategic advice and operational assistance. www.beaconep.com
Anaqua is a registered trademark of Anaqua, Inc.