Key points:
- Anaplan shares jumped over 27% this morning following a $10.7B buyout from Thoma Bravo
- All eyes on rising software companies as private equity continues its buyout barrage
- Anaplan will act as a foundation for further acquisitions surrounding planning software
The software sector has become a primary focus for investment firms looking for the next big tech winners. Today, shares of planning software specialist Anaplan (NYSE: PLAN) jumped over 27%, representing the price premium after the acquisition from private-equity firm Thoma Bravo. Private Equity acquisitions have been steaming into the tech and software sectors lately with a large number of big leveraged acquisitions; Anaplan marking the latest in a $10.7B buyout.
Anaplan shareholders are set to receive $66 per share in cash, outlining a sizeable premium from Friday’s closing price. The company looks to be a promising acquisition for the firm as software companies find the high-growth spotlight; fueled by pandemic necessity.
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Anaplan’s business modeling software allows companies to forecast different outcomes through integrative planning. Some of the company’s most noted customers include Coca-Cola, Shell PLC, and VMware; all of which utilize Anaplan’s cloud-based platform to manage sales, supply chains, and inventories.
This is just the start for Thoma Bravo. Anaplan will act as the foundation for a wider intended monopoly in planning software. As outlined by managing partner Holden Spaht:
“There’s going to be one huge winner in planning, and we think it can be us…I can’t think of a similar opportunity to really create a massive category.”
Anaplan is intended to be used for further acquisitions as the sector grows naturally. The sector is likely to attract further attention from private equity, so Thoma Bravo is well-positioned with Anaplan under the belt.
