Montagu Private Equity has acquired Harvest, a leading provider of software solutions, from Five Arrows Principal Investments. This strategic move, which includes TA Associates as co-controlling shareholders, aims to bolster Harvest's international growth and solidify its position in the wealth management software sector. The acquisition underscores the industry's focus on expanding digital solutions for financial services.
Founded in 1989, Harvest specializes in developing software solutions tailored for wealth management professionals. Its core products include financial planning tools and portfolio management systems designed to streamline advisory services. A key differentiator for Harvest is its commitment to innovation, consistently integrating advanced technologies to enhance user experience and operational efficiency. This focus on cutting-edge solutions positions Harvest as a leader in the wealth management software sector.
Montagu Private Equity is a prominent private equity firm specializing in essential sectors such as Healthcare, Financial Sector Services, Critical Data, Digital Infrastructure, and Education. Known for its expertise in carve-outs, Montagu has completed over 30 since 2002. The firm collaborates closely with management teams to unlock potential and drive growth. Montagu's commitment to responsibility, including climate action and diversity initiatives, underscores its influential position in the private equity industry.
Montagu Private Equity acquired Harvest on August 27, 2024. This acquisition aligns with the growing trend of private equity firms investing in technology-driven financial services. The timing is significant as it follows a period of substantial growth and international expansion for Harvest under Five Arrows' partnership. This move marks a new phase in Harvest's strategic plan, "the Spirit of Conquest," focusing on further international development and solidifying its position in the wealth management software sector.
The acquisition of Harvest by Montagu Private Equity and TA Associates has led to significant changes in the company's operations and management. Key executives from both firms, including Maxime Cancre and Patrick Sader from TA, and Antoine de Peguilhan and Guillaume Jabalot from Montagu, have joined Harvest’s supervisory board. This new leadership aims to drive Harvest's strategic plan, "the Spirit of Conquest," focusing on international development and solidifying its position as a European leader in wealth management software.
Regarding product offerings and services, the partnership is expected to enhance Harvest's capabilities, allowing for both organic growth and acquisitions. This strategic move aims to expand Harvest's reach and improve its software solutions, benefiting its extensive customer base. While specific employee reactions are not documented, the leadership's optimism suggests a positive outlook. Customers can anticipate improved services and innovative solutions, reflecting the company's commitment to excellence. For founders considering business transitions, tools like Sunset can assist in managing these processes compliantly and efficiently.