Sold To

Rickitt Mitchell advised Public-i on its sale to Lyvia Group

- Growth deal

- January 2023

- Value: Undisclosed

Public-i is the UK’s leading provider of live stream and audio-visual software to local government

The deal represents Sweden based private equity group Lyvia’s entry into the UK market and will fund accelerated growth of SaaS platform

Rickitt Mitchell worked alongside its German partner, Active M&A to deliver the deal

Client Background

Public-i was founded in 2003, has 40 employees, and offices in Hove and Halifax. Traditional streaming platforms have not been able to meet local government requirements for security, accountability and voting technology, which has generated a period of growth for Public-i as demand for their bespoke service increases.

Public-i’s proprietary technology clears the way for remote and hybrid government meetings during which participants can vote and share confidential information in a secure environment, boosting participation and guaranteeing security, transparency, and governance.

It is currently used by over 30% of local governments and councils in the UK, along with several partners in Ireland and Denmark, and plans to support more local agencies in the UK and Europe in coming years.

Rickitt Mitchell advised Public-i on its sale to Lyvia Group

The Outcome

The acquisition marks the entry of Lyvia Group into the UK private equity market. The Stockholm-based company has a successful track record investing in technology-related companies across the Nordic region and beyond.

Lyvia Group is privately owned and specialises in backing entrepreneurial companies offering software solutions and niche IT services. It has opened a new office in London and plans to build a portfolio of alluring, high growth niche technology companies in coming years.

“Democracy needs an injection of technology,” said Rob Dembitz, Investment Partner at Lyvia Group in the UK. “Local governments take the decisions that affect everyone directly. Public-i clears the way for people everywhere to get involved in these crucial discussions.”

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We are proud of what we have achieved so far, but it is time to take our company to the next phase, This investment allows us to stay in charge of the company we have built, while at the same time access the funds and expertise that will allow us to grow further.

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