Bain Capital is one of the world’s leading private equity firms with funds for $27 billion. In 2004 it acquired Team System, an Italian software house focusing on products and services for small and medium size businesses, with 2005 sales of €74 million.

Lince is a leading Italian provider of financial and credit information on unlisted companies. 2005 sales were €50 million. Lince was controlled by SG Capital Europe Advisors and the founding family kept a minority participation.

Cross Border was retained by Bain Capital because of its sector expertise and privileged relationship with Lince’s shareholders, having assisted the original buy-out in 2003. Cross Border secured exclusive negotiations and pre-empted an auction sale.

The transaction is a bolt-on acquisition for Team System with substantial synergies.