Freeths advises Skewb on its first corporate acquisition

Leading law firm Freeths has advised BGF-backed software firm Skewb on its first corporate acquisition, the purchase of Clear Horizon IS, marking a significant milestone in Skewb’s growth strategy.

Skewb is a fast-growing software business that secured investment from BGF in 2024 and has experienced significant growth in recent years. The acquisition forms part of the company's strategy to expand its capabilities and strengthen its position within the digital infrastructure and software market.

Clear Horizon IS was founded in 2014 by Heather McCusker and Paul McKeon to bring a specialised, product-led approach to the UK power sector, helping address the growing need for industry-specific digital solutions amid increasing regulatory complexity.

The acquisition strengthens Skewb's digital capabilities through the addition of Clear Horizon IS's flagship product, CHiME, to its existing portfolio. CHiME enables clients to measure and track operational improvements across asset-intensive infrastructure programmes, delivering greater insight and value at scale. The deal also broadens Skewb's customer base, adding a number of UK distribution network operators to its blue-chip client roster.

Freeths advised Skewb on all aspects of the transaction. The Corporate team was led by Partner Lee Clifford, Managing Associate Olivia Johnson and Associate Katherine Ferrari-Bradley, supported by colleagues from across the firm's multi-disciplinary team including Banking & Finance Partner James Dyson, Tax Director Alex Angelides, IP & Media Director Lloyd Lane, IP & Media Managing Associate Paul Taylor, Banking & Finance Senior Associate Rebecca Banner, Employment Senior Associate Lauren Ogden and Tax Associate Zain Hanif.

Commenting on the deal, Olivia Johnson said: “It was a real pleasure to work with the Skewb team on this transaction. This is a strategically significant acquisition and a testament to the ambition and vision of the Skewb leadership. We are proud to have supported them on this important milestone and look forward to watching the business continue to go from strength to strength.”

Steve Douglas, CFO at Skewb, added: “I would like to thank the Freeths team for their outstanding support throughout this acquisition. Their expertise, responsiveness and commercial approach were invaluable in helping us navigate the process and bring the deal to a successful completion.”