When software business owners explore acquisition options, one question matters more than most:
“What happens to my business after it’s acquired?”
At Vesta Software Group, the answer is simple: we hold it for the long term.
Our buy-and-hold approach means we acquire software companies with no intention of selling them. Ever. Instead, we focus on sustainable growth, people-first leadership and preserving what makes each business successful.
What does ‘buy and hold’ mean at Vesta?
Buy and hold means that once we acquire a software business, it becomes a permanent part of our group.
We do not buy businesses to restructure and resell them. In fact, we’ve never sold a single company we’ve acquired. Our goal is to provide a stable, long-term home where businesses can continue to grow without pressure from exit timelines.
This approach allows leaders and teams to focus on building lasting value, not preparing for the next sale.
How is Vesta different from private equity firms?
Unlike traditional private equity acquirers, Vesta:
- Does not operate on fixed investment horizons
- Does not require an exit after a set number of years
- Does not take over day-to-day operations
Private equity firms often prioritise short-term performance improvements to maximise resale value. Instead, we choose to prioritise long-term health, customer satisfaction and employee development.
We believe strong businesses grow best when they’re given time, trust and support.
What does Vesta’s approach mean for business owners?
For many founders, selling a business isn’t just a financial decision; it’s an emotional one.
Vesta’s model is particularly attractive to owners who want reassurance that:
- Their legacy will be preserved
- Their teams will be looked after
- Their customers will continue to be supported
Owners who sell to Vesta can choose what their next chapter looks like. Some remain involved in leadership roles, others step back or move on entirely. There’s no one “right” path – only what works best for you.
What happens to employees after a Vesta acquisition?
Employees remain at the heart of every Vesta business.
We’ve long recognised that our greatest asset is our people, which is why we focus on empowerment rather than disruption. Teams keep doing what they do best, now with added support and opportunity.
When a company joins Vesta, employees gain access to:
- A global network of software professionals
- Opportunities for continuous learning and career development
- Shared best practices across the group
- Long-term stability under permanent ownership
Hear from Tess, our Chief People Officer
In this short video, Tess shares why people sit at the centre of our buy-and-hold approach, as well as how we support employees across the group to learn, grow and build long-term careers.
Does Vesta change how businesses are run?
No. Vesta does not seek to take over the day-to-day operations of any company in our group.
We rely on the leadership of managers who know their markets, customers and teams best. Local leadership stays local.
At the same time, Vesta’s central team of experienced Portfolio Directors and Managers provides strategic support and access to best practices across the group. They work closely with management teams as trusted advisors – offering insight, challenge and support where helpful, while ensuring operational decisions remain with the business.
This balance allows companies to retain their identity and autonomy, while benefiting from the experience, capital and network of a global software group.
Why do software businesses choose Vesta?
Software companies choose Vesta because we offer something increasingly rare: certainty.
- Certainty that the business won’t be sold again
- Certainty that people and culture matter
- Certainty that growth can happen at a sustainable pace
For founders, leaders and employees alike, Vesta offers a forever home – one built on trust, autonomy and long-term thinking.
Thinking about the next chapter for your software business?
If you’re a software business owner exploring acquisition options, the right partner isn’t just the one offering the highest price; it’s the one offering the right future.
If you’d like to have a confidential, no-obligation conversation about whether Vesta could be the right fit for your business, we’d love to talk.
Frequently asked questions about Vesta’s buy-and-hold approach
Why do software business owners choose Vesta?
Software business owners choose Vesta because we offer certainty, stability and respect for what they’ve built. Our buy-and-hold philosophy ensures their legacy is preserved, their teams are supported, and their business has a long-term home.
Can founders stay involved after selling their business to Vesta?
Yes. Founders and owners can choose their level of involvement after an acquisition. Many continue to lead their businesses or take on mentoring roles, while others step back or pursue new opportunities. The decision is entirely up to the owner.
Does Vesta ever sell the businesses it acquires?
No. Vesta has never sold a single business it has acquired. Our model is built around permanent ownership, providing stability for business owners, employees and customers.
