NorthEdge, a UK-based private equity investor, has completed the sale of Distology, a specialist cybersecurity value-added distributor, to Foresight Group, an investment manager, as the Stockport-headquartered business moves into its next stage of growth.
The deal marks NorthEdge’s ninth technology exit and its third realisation from the SME Fund, with the fund’s three exits to date generating a combined 4.3x gross money multiple on invested capital.
NorthEdge first backed Distology in February 2021, supporting founder and chief executive Hayley Roberts and her leadership team through their first institutional investment. The funding was aimed at widening the company’s vendor portfolio, building out its technical expertise and helping the business expand internationally.
Across the two years to FY26, Distology grew earnings at a compound annual rate of 48%, broadened its supplier base and boosted its services offering following the 2022 acquisition of Squareball. The company also strengthened its senior team during this period, appointing both a chief technical officer and a chief commercial officer.
The distributor has picked up widespread industry recognition along the way, with Roberts named among the Top 20 EMEA Channel Leaders and the company collecting numerous Channel and Partner awards. Distology has also featured among the Top 200 Women-Powered Businesses and been recognised at the Northern Power Women Awards.
Distology works as the preferred distribution partner for emerging cybersecurity vendors looking to expand across Northern Europe through the IT channel. Its platform offers expertise on workplace identity, consumer identity and software engineering.
With Foresight now on board, Distology is set to accelerate its growth plans, using the fresh backing to invest further in its people, technology and broader strategic priorities as it extends its footprint across the UK and Europe.
NorthEdge partner Liam May said, “Distology is exactly the kind of business we set out to back – a founder-led regional business, operating in a strategically important sector with genuine national and international reach.
“Throughout our investment, Hayley and the team have delivered strong growth – diversifying the vendor portfolio, deepening technical capability and extending Distology’s reach across Northern Europe, all while building a culture that attracts and retains the best talent.
“As NorthEdge’s ninth technology realisation, Distology reflects our strong track record in the sector; and we wish Hayley and the team every success in their next chapter.”
Distology founder and CEO Hayley Roberts said, “The last five years with NorthEdge have been brilliant. They believed in us at a pivotal moment, backed our vision and helped us grow across the UK and Europe – all while championing the culture and people that make Distology what it is.
“I’m so proud of what this team has achieved, and hugely grateful to NorthEdge for their support along the way. As we look forward, we’re excited for our next chapter of growth alongside Foresight.”
Copyright © 2026 RegTech Analyst
Copyright © 2026 RegTech Analyst
