Supply chain risk management platform Sedex will come under new ownership after funds advised by Apax Partners agreed to acquire a controlling stake from Sedex Holdings Ltd (SHL), the membership organisation that founded the business in 2004.

SHL will retain a significant minority stake under a new entity, SHL Membership Ltd, while existing minority investor LDC exits following a three-year partnership that saw the company undergo major product upgrades and geographic growth.

Sedex provides a data-driven platform used by 100,000 customers in 180 countries across 35 sectors, including consumer goods, retail, and food and beverage.

The platform enables companies to manage supply chain risk, monitor labour and environmental practices, and drive continuous improvement.

With intensifying regulatory and consumer scrutiny on supply chains, the investment aims to deepen Sedex’s penetration in core fast-moving consumer goods and retail markets and extend its reach into new sectors and geographies, while broadening its product capabilities.

The transaction caps a period of rapid growth for Sedex under CEO Jon Hancock.

With LDC’s backing since 2023, the company completed a £20 million platform upgrade, launched the SMETA 7.0 audit methodology, and introduced new supplier assessment tools, which resulted in a more than doubling of revenue between 2022 and 2025.

Proceeds from the sale will allow SHL to create a charitable trust focused on improving supply chain conditions globally, reflecting its founding mission.

The deal is subject to customary closing conditions.