Apax Partners Acquires Controlling Stake in Sedex to Boost Supply Chain Risk Management

Apax Partners has reached a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling interest in Sedex Information Exchange Ltd (Sedex), a company specializing in supply chain risk management solutions. The transaction, announced on May 8, 2026, marks a strategic investment by Apax to support Sedex’s expansion across markets, sectors, and product capabilities as demand for robust supply chain transparency intensifies worldwide.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The acquisition involves purchasing the majority stake from Sedex Holdings Ltd (SHL), a membership organization that will retain a significant minority share under a new entity, SHL Membership Ltd (SHLM). This transaction also facilitates the exit of LDC, Sedex’s previous minority investor, which had backed the company since 2023 during a period of transformational growth.

Founded in 2004, Sedex has established itself as a global leader in supply chain risk management, focusing on ethical and sustainable practices to protect workers and reduce risks across industries and geographies. The company serves approximately 100,000 customers in 180 countries across 35 sectors, including consumer goods, retail, and food and beverage. Sedex’s platform provides multi-tier supply chain visibility, site-level data, and risk management tools that help enterprises operate more efficiently and responsibly.

Under LDC’s investment, Sedex implemented a £20 million upgrade to its platform, launched new supplier assessment tools, and introduced SMETA 7.0, the most comprehensive update to its audit methodology in years. The company also expanded its geographic footprint in key markets such as the US, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.

Apax’s investment aims to further scale Sedex’s platform and assessment capabilities, enabling deeper visibility and more effective risk management. The firm plans to deepen penetration in core fast-moving consumer goods and retail markets, expand into new sectors and geographies, and broaden product offerings to cover a wider range of risk factors with enhanced audit intelligence.

SHLM will continue its mission to improve labor, environmental, and corporate responsibility practices in supply chains. It will establish a charitable trust to advance philanthropic initiatives aimed at improving global supply chain conditions and will actively engage its members to guide future activities.

Jon Hancock, CEO of Sedex, stated, “Sedex has developed a uniquely powerful offering that equips companies around the world with the tools to manage risk, demonstrate improvement and drive responsible practices across complex supply chains. This investment enables us to strengthen our strategic partnerships, deepen data capabilities, and expand our global reach.”

Steven Esom, Chair of the SHLM Board, added, “For over 20 years, we have brought member businesses together to improve conditions across global supply chains. We look forward to the next phase of our journey and continuing to drive transparency and accountability.”

Dan Gluckman, Investment Director at LDC, commented, “Sedex’s growth over the past three years has been exceptional. The company has built a market-leading platform with unmatched site-level data and expanded globally. We are proud to have supported this journey and wish them success with Apax.”

Apax Partners sees strong strategic alignment with Sedex’s mission. Anders Meyerhoff, Partner at Apax, said, “Sedex helps make supply chains more ethical, transparent, and safe. This mission is central to why we find this investment compelling, offering both strong returns and lasting impact.” Edward Donkor, Partner at Apax, added, “We have long admired Sedex and look forward to supporting its continued growth and mission.”

The deal is subject to customary closing conditions. Apax plans to leverage its operational expertise and global network to enhance Sedex’s platform scalability, product innovation, and geographic reach. The acquisition is expected to increase competitive pressure on other supply chain risk management providers, accelerating industry consolidation and innovation.

Challenges ahead include aligning Sedex’s technology with Apax’s operational frameworks, managing cultural integration, ensuring data security and compliance, and retaining key talent critical to innovation and client relationships.

Overall, this acquisition positions Sedex to capitalize on growing regulatory, investor, and consumer demands for supply chain transparency and responsible practices, reinforcing its role as mission-critical infrastructure for global enterprises.