Lawyers from a Cheltenham firm have played an advisory role in a £30 million acquisition of a software firm.

The majority investment of Ascent Software and simultaneous acquisition of TechHuddle by Horizon Capital saw lawyers from Harrison Clark Rickerbys offer expert advice.

Ascent and TechHuddle are based in Reading and employs more than 300 developers in delivery centres in Malta and Bulgaria.

Rich Wilkey (pictured), head of Harrision Clark Rickerby's Cheltenham office and head of their corporate team, said: "This was a complex transaction because it entailed acquiring three companies in three jurisdictions at the same time.

"We are delighted to be able to support Horizon in this new investment platform - it is their third such technology investment this year, and it will give the business new development potential."

Stewart Smythe joins the business as CEO and will work alongside Ascent founder and COO Joseph Sultana, the management team includes Ben Hudson and George Earp.

Horizon Managing Partner Simon Hitchcock said: "HCR's contribution was critical to the successful outcome - they brought a brilliant and broad legal team to this deal, who all went above and beyond.

Harrison Clark Rickerbys employ has more than 500 staff and partners in offices based in Worcester, Hereford, the Wye Valley, Bimingham, the Thames Valley, Cambridge, London and Cheltenham.