Chess secures Cyberlab acquisition

Lincoln-based cyber-security-as-a-service (CSaaS) provider Cyberlab Consulting Ltd has been sold to technology provider Chess for an undisclosed sum, with the support of law firm Shakespeare Martineau.

As part of a shared growth strategy, the acquisition will supercharge Cyberlab’s expansion, as well as add a unique product to Chess’ extensive suite of existing products and services.

Expanding its portfolio and solidifying its position as a leading technology service provider, the strategic acquisition will see Chess add Cyberlab’s innovative CSaaS portal as a new service to clients. The portal simplifies the oversight of security posture, identifying individual blind spots and providing tailored training programs to automate fixes.

Ryan Bradbury, founder of Cyberlab, has joined Chess’s team as part of the deal, taking on the role of CTO. He said: “We’re delighted to be adding something new, which fits perfectly into Chess’ existing incredible portfolio. There is huge potential for our portal and the backing of such a big player like Chess will help us to meet our ambitions for the Cyberlab brand.”

Chess employs more than 300 people across the UK and supports more than 1,000 UK blue-chip enterprise businesses, government departments, and household names. Its expanded capabilities now cover a wide range of services, including testing, assessment, discovery, consultancy, delivery, and hardening.

Michael Squirrell, partner at Shakespeare Martineau, who advised founders Ryan and Jessica Bradbury on the sale of Cyberlab, said: “There are clear synergies between the businesses and obvious wins from their union. We’re very happy to have supported Ryan and Jessica on the sale.”

The Shakespeare Martineau team involved in the deal also included corporate associate Ashley Taylor, corporate solicitor Nana Maisuradze, intellectual property partner Kerry Russell, and employment expert Oscar Ciaurro.

Antony Voakes and Amy Weston at Wright Vigar advised on tax and financial matters. Chess was represented by Nimbus Legal and Vector Tax Consultancy.