Global digital transformation firm GFT Technologies SE agreed to acquire 100% of shares in Colombia-based core banking expert Sophos Solutions S.A.S.
With Sophos, GFT advances to one of the top 3 banking IT services providers “across Latin America and also increases its global delivery capability.”
The purchase from Advent International, one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, is “a clear sign of GFT’s continued focus on growth and profitability.”
GFT is gaining a new stronghold “for core banking solutions, AI and cloud modernization, as well as additional partners and clients, which “include Colombia’s most relevant financial institutions.”
The company is increasing its presence “to 20 countries, six of which are in Latin America: Brazil, Mexico and Costa Rica are now complemented by Colombia, Chile and Panama. The combined impact of both companies will result in GFT advancing to be a top three provider of IT services for banking across Latin America).”
Thanks to Sophos’ more than 1,700 employees, GFT’s global headcount “will grow by almost 20 percent to more than 12,000. This is the largest number of talents ever added in a GFT acquisition. The transaction is expected to be completed in early February 2024.”
In 2022, Sophos generated revenues of “around 257 billion Colombian pesos (currently around 60 million Euros) and GFT reported over €730 million Euros worldwide.”
GFT CEO Marika Lulay said:
“In this strategic acquisition, we’re not just merging companies; we’re multiplying potential. It is a logical continuation of our successful strategy for growth and profitability. All aspects of Sophos are highly valuable to us. From the new colleagues, new competencies and new clients to the new partners for core banking solutions, such as Oracle Flexcube. All this results in high traction for GFT in Latin America’s third-largest market Colombia, plus exponential growth scope in the Americas and beyond.”
Sophos is especially renowned “for its core banking, AI and cloud modernisation expertise, as well as innovation and digital transformation. GFT clients benefit from expanded delivery capacity and access to new expertise, including in solutions for core banking with Sophos’ established partners.”
For Sophos’ clients, the acquisition means access “to the additional large GFT talent pool, extensive experience in successfully implementing next generation technology, more partners like Thought Machine, and pre-built solutions. All that combined translates into a shorter time to market and effective services delivery for all clients.”
Sophos CEO Felipe Villa said:
“For everyone at Sophos, it is a great opportunity to become part of GFT. I see a perfect fit with combined expertise and global presence of Sophos and GFT. This will enable us to even better support our clients on their digital transformation journey – great news for our employees and their career development, as well as for our clients. We are grateful to Advent for taking our company to the next level.”