Many hands make light work

Lightworks is a leading computer software and technology licensing company specialising in 3D rendering software development and virtual reality experience generation.

The company develops and integrates its Iray®+ technology into CAD systems or design workflows, builds bespoke applications and configurators, and creates immersive, photorealistic images and animations.

This world-leading technology and creative expertise is supplied to clients across multiple sectors including aerospace, architectural design, automotive and apparel.

A multi-disciplined BHP team led by Hamish Morrison and Matt Scott advised the shareholders, assisting in negotiating the financial and commercial aspects of the transaction.

The sale represents the second time BHP has advised the shareholders in recent years.  In 2014 we acted as lead advisors on the sale of Lightworks’ sister company (MachineWorks) to Heidenhain, a global leader in machine tooling.

Matt Scott commented “The acquisition of Lightworks enhances Siemens’ 3D visualisation capabilities and protects its leading position in the constantly evolving visualisation and virtual reality space.  It also provides another successful exit for Mobeus having originally backed the buyout of both Lightworks and MachineWorks in 2006”.

David Forrester, exiting shareholder and the Lightworks CEO added “It has been a pleasure to work with the BHP team on another successful sale of a business to a major corporate buyer.  Throughout the process the advice we received was clear, straightforward and timely – exactly what is needed in a complicated process such as this.  The BHP team assisted the shareholders in getting the best deal possible and ensuring that any risks were minimised and well understood”.