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BGF Exits AI Consultancy Optima Partners

London, UK - BGF, the UK's most active investor in growing businesses, has exited its investment in Optima Partners, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) consultancy. As part of the transaction, BGF has reinvested alongside private equity firm Growth Capital Partners, who will now hold a majority stake in the company.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but industry sources familiar with the matter suggest Optima Partners was acquired at an attractive valuation, reflecting the strong growth and market position the firm has built in the rapidly expanding AI services sector.

Optima Partners, founded in 2015, provides AI-powered business transformation services to a blue-chip client base across industries ranging from financial services to retail. The company has experienced rapid growth in recent years, more than doubling its headcount to over 200 employees as demand for its services has surged.

"Optima Partners has established itself as a true leader in the AI consulting space, helping major enterprises unlock the power of this transformative technology," said Sarah Gentleman, a Partner at BGF who has served on Optima's board. "We're pleased to have supported the company's impressive growth trajectory, and look forward to continuing our involvement as a minority shareholder alongside the team at Growth Capital Partners."

The exit comes amid a wave of consolidation in the AI services market, as large technology and consulting firms race to bolster their capabilities. Earlier this year, for example, Accenture acquired Crvento, another fast-growing UK-based AI consultancy, in a deal valued at over £200 million.

Analysts say the Optima Partners transaction underscores the attractive valuations on offer for specialized AI services providers with strong client relationships and a proven track record.

"Optima has carved out a differentiated position in a crowded market by combining technical AI expertise with deep industry knowledge," noted Martin Baggs, a senior research analyst at Jefferies. "That blend of capabilities has allowed them to deliver transformative outcomes for clients, which is reflected in the valuation multiple achieved in this deal."

Going forward, Growth Capital Partners is expected to support Optima's continued expansion, both organically and through selective acquisitions, as the firm looks to cement its status as a go-to partner for enterprises navigating the AI revolution.