UKFast founders depart as PE house takes majority stake

Inflexion has upped its stake after taking 30 per cent last year

UKFast founders Lawrence and Gail Jones have "exited the business" after existing private equity backer Inflexion upped its stake.

Inflexion invested in the business in December 2018, after then-boss Lawrence Jones decided against a mooted floatation.

Jones departed as CEO last year following sexual misconduct allegations published by the Financial Times and was replaced by his wife as CEO.

In a joint statement on the sale the two founders said: "We chose Inflexion initially because of their track record growing businesses and are confident we're leaving UKFast in great hands."

The pair were removed as directors from UKFast on Companies House today (11 May), along with enterprise managing director Jonathan Bowers.

A press release on the UKFast website said that Inflexion has upped its stake in UKFast from 30 per cent to 75 per cent. It did not provide any further information on who owns the remaining 25 per cent.

Inflexion also has an option to acquire Jones' cybersecurity business Secarma, which announced a tie-up with acquisitive security provider Shearwater last year.