Acquisition expands GFT’s core banking expertise and client base, also footprint and team by almost 20%.
Global Digital Transformation pioneer GFT Technologies SE (GFT) have 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 three 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 modernisation, 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% to more than 12,000. This is the largest number of talents ever added in a GFT acquisition. In 2022, Sophos generated revenues of around 257 billion Colombian pesos (currently around 60 million Euros) and GFT reported over €730 million Euros worldwide.
“In this strategic acquisition, we’re not just merging companies; we’re multiplying potential,” said GFT CEO Marika Lulay. “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.
“We are proud to have partnered with the entire Sophos team during a time of significant growth for the company,” said Lucas Marulanda, Director at Advent International. “Since our investment in 2020, Sophos has strategically scaled its platform through international and regional expansion and continued to help drive significant technological transformation and modernisation across the financial industry. We look forward to following the company’s continued success.”