Cooper Parry’s Deals team has advised the shareholders of Clear Horizon IS, the business behind the CHiME platform, on its sale to BGF-backed Skewb.
Founded in 2014 by Heather McCusker and Paul McKeon, Clear Horizon IS was created to bring a specialised, product-led approach to the UK power sector – addressing a growing need for industry-specific digital solutions at a time of increasing regulatory complexity.
Cooper Parry’s Corporate Finance team, led by Niall Chantrill and myself, acted as lead adviser to the shareholders of Clear Horizon IS. We worked closely with the founders to deliver a successful outcome with a highly strategic partner well positioned to support the next phase of CHiME’s development.
Specialist tax advice was provided by Nick Hatton, Jack McFarlane and Lauren Nutty from Cooper Parry’s Transaction Tax team.
Legal advice was provided by Sandra Wong, Daniel Knowles, Laura Dunn and Jade Williamson from Browne Jacobson’s Corporate M&A and Corporate Tax teams.
A strategic fit for future growth
The acquisition strengthens Skewb’s digital capabilities by adding the CHiME product to its existing product portfolio, further diversifying its customer base with the inclusion of a number of UK DNOs to its blue-chip customer base and enhancing the Skewb eco-system for continued growth and innovation across new markets.
Clear Horizon IS brings established expertise and proven capability, significantly enhancing Skewb’s digital portfolio and market presence from day one. Its flagship product, CHiME, enables clients to measure and track operational improvements across asset-intensive infrastructure programmes, delivering greater insight and value at scale.
Clear Horizon IS’s client base aligns closely with Skewb’s values and ambitions, creating opportunities to build long-term partnerships while expanding into new markets. Both organisations share a strong commitment to quality, innovation and customer excellence, creating a natural fit as the businesses come together.
Niall Chantrill, Corporate Finance Partner at Cooper Parry, said:
“We’re delighted to have advised the shareholders of Clear Horizon on this transaction. Heather, Paul and the team have built a genuinely specialised business in CHiME, addressing a real need in the UK power sector at a time when DNOs are under growing pressure to demonstrate operational performance. Skewb is an excellent strategic home for the business, and we wish the whole team continued success as part of the wider group”.
Heather McCusker, CEO and Co-founder of Clear Horizon IS, said:
“From start to finish, the team at Cooper Parry provided us with exceptional support. Niall and Matt quickly understood what we wanted to achieve and took a highly commercial approach throughout the process, helping us deliver the right outcome for CHiME. The process required a significant amount of time and attention from the management team, but Cooper Parry confidently led us through each stage, providing clear strategic advice”.
Partnering for Long-Term Success
This deal reflects continued momentum in the technology and infrastructure sectors, where demand for specialist, product-led solutions is accelerating in response to regulatory pressure and the need for greater operational visibility. Cooper Parry’s Deals team remains well positioned to support founders and shareholders navigating this dynamic landscape, combining deep sector insight with hands-on delivery to help clients realise value and secure the right strategic partners for long-term growth.
