Francisco Partners and Elliott Management to Acquire Dell Software Group

Francisco Partners Management LLC, a technology-focused private equity firm, Elliott Management Corporation, and Dell, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Denali Holding, Inc., announced have signed a definitive agreement for Francisco Partners and Elliott to acquire the Dell Software Group.

The agreement bolsters Francisco Partners and Elliott Management’s technology portfolios with the addition of Dell Software’s diverse combination of security, systems and information management, and data analytics solutions.

“We founded our firm in 1999 to pursue divisional carve outs in the technology sector and today’s agreement continues that vision,” said Dipanjan DJ Deb, Francisco Partners’ CEO. “Quest Software and SonicWALL provide mission-critical software to a large and loyal base of over 180,000 customers, and we see significant opportunity to build upon the company’s impressive technology and product portfolio. We are excited to be partnering with Elliott Management and want to thank Silver Lake Partners and Dell for their continued partnership.”

“Elliott has been a long-term investor in the technology space and today’s announcement continues our progress,” said Jesse Cohn, senior portfolio manager, Elliott Management. “This acquisition represents a significant deal by Evergreen Coast Capital, Elliott’s recently established Menlo Park affiliate. We look forward to working with Francisco Partners to create significant value at these companies.”

“Francisco Partners and Elliott Management’s deep passion for technology and proven track records in nurturing and building software businesses will enable Dell Software’s loyal base of employees to continue delivering innovation,” said Tom Sweet, senior VP and CFO, Dell. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Francisco Partners and Elliott Management teams to further enhance the already great relationships Dell Software has with its customers and partners.”

Dell Software’s portfolio of solutions span a number of areas critical to the modern business and IT management landscape, including advanced analytics, database management, data protection, endpoint systems management, identity and access management, Microsoft platform management, network security, and performance monitoring. With Dell Software solutions, organizations of all sizes can better secure, manage, monitor, protect, and analyze information and infrastructure in order to help fuel innovation and drive their businesses forward.

“We see tremendous growth opportunity for these businesses,” said Brian Decker, head of security investing, Francisco Partners. “Network security and identity and access management are increasingly strategic imperatives for enterprises and we are thrilled to support the continued product innovation of Quest Software and SonicWALL in these areas.”

“We are proud to partner with Francisco Partners to acquire Dell Software from Dell Inc.,” said Isaac Kim, MD, Evergreen Coast Capital Management, Inc. “Dell Software has world class products and talented employees, and we look forward to working with the management team to grow revenues and increase value. We believe these companies offer unique value and operational potential.”

“We’re proud to have built a robust portfolio of software solutions that help make the lives of customers easier,” said John Swainson, president, Dell Software. “Whether they’re managing applications and data, securing their networks, protecting critical information, or deriving key insights from data, customers across the globe have come to rely on Dell Software for top-flight products, service and support. We look forward to continuing that focus as part of the Francisco Partners and Elliott Management portfolio of companies.”

Francisco Partners’ chief investment officer David Golob added: “We have a long and successful track record executing divisional carve-out transactions and we look forward to working with the management teams at these businesses to create additional value for the company, its customers, and its partners as an independent entity.”

Debt financing for this transaction was provided by Credit Suisse and RBC Capital Markets. Barclays and Citigroup Inc. acted as lead financial advisors and Shearman & Sterling LLP, Kirkland & Ellis, and Gibson Dunn as legal advisors to Francisco Partners and Evergreen Coast Capital. Goldman, Sachs & Co. acted as exclusive financial advisor and Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett LLP acted as legal advisors to Dell Inc.

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory review.