A controlling stake in Sedex, a specialist in supply chain risk management software, is changing hands after funds advised by Apax Partners signed a definitive agreement with parent company Sedex Holdings Ltd (SHL).

The deal also gives minority investor LDC a complete exit following a three-year partnership, during which Sedex more than doubled its revenue.

Launched in 2004, London-based Sedex runs a data platform used by 100,000 members across 180 countries and 35 industries – from consumer goods and retail to food and beverage – to track labour conditions, environmental practices, and supply chain transparency.

Recent moves include a £20 million platform upgrade, new supplier assessment tools, and the rollout of the SMETA 7.0 audit methodology; together they helped broaden its geographic presence into the US, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.

With Apax’s backing, Sedex plans to broaden its product to cover a wider set of risk factors, deepen audit intelligence, and move into additional sectors and geographies.

The investment arrives as businesses face mounting demands from regulators, investors, and consumers to prove responsible sourcing across complex, multi-tier supply chains.

SHL will retain a significant minority stake under the name SHL Membership Ltd and will use its net proceeds to create a charitable trust dedicated to improving supply chain conditions globally.

LDC, the outgoing minority investor, first backed Sedex in 2023 and supported the platform evolution that propelled the revenue increase between 2022 and 2025.

Apax Partners said Sedex’s mission to make supply chains more ethical and safe for workers sits at the centre of the investment case.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.