FD Technologies to sell First Derivative for £230m

Newry-based FD Technologies has agree to sell is consulting business, First Derivative, to a US firm for £230m.

First Derivative employs about 1,800 people across its global operations.

They will be moving to EPAM Systems, a Pennsylvania-based digital technology firm with around 65,000 employees.

The deal is the last stage in a major restructuring of FD Technologies.

Pay off £20m of debt

EPAM said the deal will add about 100 new clients to its business.

It’s understood that EPAM will continue to operate the First Derivative business from its Newry and Belfast offices.

"We’re pleased to expand our financial services portfolio and diversify our global footprint in key regions with the addition of First Derivative’s deep expertise across capital markets, banking operations and asset servicing,” said Balazs Fejes, President of EPAM’s global business.

David Collins, the chief executive of First Derivative said: "We are excited to continue our momentum by joining the EPAM team.

"Together, we are positioned to be the market leading services provider with a highly differentiated capability, combining strong domain expertise and the best in modern technology."

The deal is expected to close before the end of the year and after expenses will return about £205m to FD Technologies.

The money will used to pay off £20m of debt, support the KX business plan and return some money to shareholders.

The amount which will be paid to shareholders is still to be confirmed.

FD Technologies, formerly known as First Derivatives, is one of Northern Ireland's biggest homegrown technology businesses.

500 employed

In March it said the business would be restructured to focus on its KX software division.

At that time it announced a deal to sell MRP, its marketing technology division.

KX currently employs about 500 people and turns over around £80m a year.

It will remain headquartered in Newry and retain its London stock market listing.

First Derivatives was founded by the late Brian Conlon in 1996 and his family are still significant shareholders in the business.