Sepura Acquired by UK Private Equity Group Epiris

The group’s Epiris Fund II purchased Sepura from Hytera Communications.

The sale comes as critical communications supplier Sepura marks its 20th anniversary, having become market leader in over 20 countries with over two million devices deployed worldwide. Its portfolio of Tetra radios and accessories is used globally by public safety users in the police, fire and ambulance services. It has also successfully expanded into the commercial space, supplying transport, mining, oil & gas, and utility companies.

Steve Barber will continue to manage Sepura as CEO whilst Malcolm Miller, with whom Epiris previously worked as Chairman of Audiotonix, will join the company as non-executive Chairman.

Steve Barber commented: “With a growing portfolio of world-class critical communications products and a loyal global customer base, Sepura is well positioned to continue its sustained growth. Epiris’ ownership will allow us to increase our investment in new products and technology, as well as expanding our reach into new markets. The strengthening of our leading portfolio of Tetra devices, as well as our emerging mission-critical LTE portfolio, all based on our own IP, will spearhead our growth plans. It is a very exciting time for Sepura, our customers, and our employees as we can now compete more effectively worldwide following our return to UK ownership”.

Ian Wood, Partner at Epiris, said: “Sepura is in a unique position. It combines extensive public safety knowledge with strong intellectual property and an extensive UK-based R&D capability that consistently delivers best-in-class innovative products. The company’s ability to develop new applications and devices that embrace emerging technologies and meet customer needs positions it to continue to succeed as a pioneer for many years to come.”