Moore Kingston Smith appointed to advise 2i on dual acquisition

Moore Kingston Smith Corporate Finance has been appointed to advise 2i on its acquisition of Planit Software Testing and the Shift Left Group. 

The accountancy firm provided financial and tax due diligence for the transaction, which includes Planit Software Testing and subsidiaries Shift Left Group and Shift Left Specialists. 

The project was led by corporate finance partner Mike Orton and associate director Florence Horne.

The deal marks the second acquisition for Edinburgh-based 2i since it secured investment from private equity firm Rockpool in early 2024. It follows the purchase of nFocus Testing in 2025 as part of a strategic buy-and-build programme.

Established in 2005, 2i is a quality assurance business that supports public sector and blue-chip organisations with digital transformation and AI assurance. The acquisition of Planit, formerly the UK division of Planit Test Management Solutions, adds retail sector expertise to the group.

The Moore Kingston Smith team also included tax director Thomas Acland and manager Sam Talbot. The firm analysed quality of earnings, net debt, and working capital to support 2i and Rockpool in the decision-making process.

Dave Kelly, chief executive of 2i, said: “This acquisition strengthens our position as a leader in quality assurance, and significantly enhances our ability to support clients both onshore and offshore. Planit and Shift Left bring exceptional talent and specialist capability, and we’re excited to welcome them into the 2i group, making us the largest pure play quality assurance organisation in the UK.

“Once again, we’ve been impressed by the depth of financial expertise and commitment demonstrated by Moore Kingston Smith. Their understanding of the software testing sector, coupled with their ability to oversee key financial and tax elements of the project and drive it through to a successful completion, is exceptional.”

Guy Nieuwenhuys, of Rockpool, who provided backing to 2i, added: “2i’s partnership with Planit and Shift Left is a strong strategic fit and a clear demonstration of the buy-and-build strategy we set out from day one. The combined group offers a compelling proposition in a fast-growing market where quality, automation and AI-driven testing are becoming business-critical.”

Orton said: “We are delighted to have supported 2i and Rockpool on another key milestone in its growth journey. This acquisition brings together complementary strengths across the software testing ecosystem, and our due diligence provided the financial and tax insights needed to move forward with confidence.”