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Solita joins forces with PUBLIC and expands to UK

Published03 Feb 2025

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The technology, data, and design company Solita has announced the acquisition of UK-based PUBLIC Group International Limited, a digital transformation partner specialised in the public sector. This strategic move marks Solita’s first step into the UK market, expanding its presence to ten countries across Europe. Following the acquisition, the combined company will have a team of over 2,200 professionals dedicated to creating world-leading digital services for positive impact across the public and private sectors.

The technology, data, and design company Solita, and PUBLIC, a digital transformation partner specialising in the public sector announced today that Solita has acquired PUBLIC Group International Limited. Both companies are known for their dedicated, innovative work to drive positive societal impact and digital transformation in the public sector, while Solita also serves a wide range of private sector clients.

PUBLIC will continue to operate as an independent entity within the Solita Group. The current CEO, Alexander de Carvalho will remain an executive and join a new board established to oversee Solita’s strategic goals in the UK. The senior leadership team of PUBLIC and all personnel will remain with the company. Ryan Shea will take over the day-to-day leadership of the business as Managing Director.

PUBLIC currently employs 40+ digital transformation specialists in London. The client list of PUBLIC features tens of government organisations, including the UK Ministry of Defence, the NHS, the Department for Business and Trade, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, many local councils as well as supranational organisations such as NATO and the EU. Over the last few years, PUBLIC has also completed projects in Germany, Denmark and the Benelux.

A team of 2,200+ technology, data, and design professionals stepping into the UK market

With PUBLIC, Solita is expanding its geographical reach to the UK for the first time. After joining forces with PUBLIC, Solita will now employ over 2,200 professionals in Europe, with expertise in strategic consulting and business design, software development, data, AI and analytics, managed cloud services, and integration. Solita is owned by almost 700 of its employees and the Apax Digital Fund I, a technology-focused growth equity fund advised by Apax Partners LLP.

Helping societies reinvent themselves

“We’re excited to welcome PUBLIC into our international community and join forces to drive impact in the public sector. With our expertise in design, strategy, data and AI, cloud, and software development, we’re eager to create innovative digital services that improve everyday life across the UK and look forward to new opportunities to collaborate across Europe,” said Ossi Lindroos, President and CEO, Solita.

Both PUBLIC and Solita are passionate about driving positive change in the public sector. Our companies are both focused on fostering an exceptionally people-centric company culture and we are driven by a shared mission to shape the future by creating truly impactful digital services for people, businesses, and society. I am delighted to be joining Solita and excited about what this exciting new chapter holds for our existing and future partners.

Alexander de Carvalho CEO, PUBLIC

We share a mutual excitement for re-envisioning public services, whether it is to improve healthcare, pave the way for a transition to more sustainable energy, ensure smoother transport services, or help societies address the rapid advancements in AI. We are thrilled to join Solita’s international community and collaborate towards our shared purpose.

Ryan Shea Managing Director, PUBLIC

The companies have an impressive range of clients in the public sector. Solita, headquartered in Finland, also serves a wide range of public as well as private sector clients, including the Finnish Border Guard, Danish Environmental Protection Agency, Helsinki Regional Transport (HSL), The Social Insurance Institution of Finland (KELA), PensionDanmark, The Danish Road Directorate, and Fintraffic, as well as global enterprises, like ISS, the Colruyt Group, KONE and SSAB. Known for putting people at the heart of its company culture, Solita recently received the award for the Most Human-centric Workplace and ranked third in the Best Workplaces for Women in Tech globally.

For more information

PUBLIC is a UK-based digital transformation partner committed to helping the public sector turn innovative ideas into practical solutions. Founded in 2016, PUBLIC’s mission has always been to help the public sector deliver outstanding, digitally-enabled services that create a better society for everyone. The company is committed to helping the public sector embed durable capabilities within government itself to support transformation that has a positive, lasting impact on public services.

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