Investcorp, Bahrain’s largest alternative asset manager, has agreed to buy a majority stake in London‑based Smart Managed Solutions for a $200m-plus deal. The purchase follows the firm’s rapid expansion, with annual revenue topping $132m and growth above 30% since 2017. The transaction signals a fresh wave of Middle Eastern investment in UK operating companies.

Co‑founders will keep a meaningful minority stake, ensuring the existing management team remains in place. Investcorp plans to grow the business via acquisitions and geographic expansion across the UK, following a classic buy‑and‑build strategy. The deal illustrates the growing appetite of MiddleEastern funds for resilient, high‑growth sectors in Europe.

Smart Managed Solutions serves life sciences, education, digital infrastructure and public sector clients, positioning it in diverse, recession‑resistant markets. With Investcorp’s $62bn capital base and experience in large‑scale deployments, the company can accelerate its service offerings and enter new end markets. The transaction adds another high‑quality UK target to the Middle East’s growing portfolio.

The deal underscores a continued trend of Middle Eastern investors channeling billions into European private equity, as seen with recent £1.5bn commitments to EQT’s Intertek buyout. For UK operators, such capital infusions bring access to resources that can fuel expansion without diluting existing ownership. Investors will watch whether Smart’s growth trajectory sustains post‑acquisition in this market.