Technology and IT services M&A tax | Transaction services

Moore Kingston Smith advises 2i on acquisition of Planit Software Testing

11 May 2026

2i, the UK’s largest pure-play quality assurance business, backed by private equity firm Rockpool, has engaged Moore Kingston Smith Corporate Finance to advise on its acquisition of Planit Software Testing Limited and its subsidiaries, Shift Left Group Limited and Shift Left Specialists Limited.

As part of 2i’s buy‑and‑build strategy, this marks the second acquisition completed since Rockpool’s investment in spring 2024, following its acquisition in early 2025 of nFocus Testing. The multi-award-winning quality assurance business supports organisations with large scale digital transformation delivery, ERP implementation and upgrade support, and AI assurance challenges.

Headquartered in Edinburgh and established in 2005, 2i provides public sector and blue‑chip clients with quality assurance services designed to mitigate risks associated with digital transformation.

Planit Software Testing was the UK division of Planit Test Management Solutions Pty Ltd, a global leader in quality engineering, assurance and application testing services.

Planit Software Testing enables organisations to deliver better software through specialist skills, scalable solutions and consultancy. Shift Left Group and Shift Left Specialists deliver early‑lifecycle quality engineering and consultancy services across the UK and Europe.

For 2i, this bolt‑on acquisition enhances its quality and automation engineering capabilities, expanding its digital transformation testing offering and brings extensive knowledge and expertise in the retail sector.

Moore Kingston Smith provided financial and tax due diligence services on the transaction. The project was led by Mike Orton, Corporate Finance Partner specialising in Transaction Services, supported by Florence Horne, Associate Director. The tax aspect of the project was delivered by Thomas Acland, Tax Director, and Sam Talbot, Manager.

Moore Kingston Smith’s analysis covered key areas including quality of earnings, net debt, net working capital and tax, enabling 2i and Rockpool to understand key financial and tax risks and to make informed decisions regarding the acquisition. The firm has established a trusted relationship with 2i, having previously advised the business on securing its strategic investment from Rockpool to accelerate its growth and geographical expansion.

Dave Kelly, CEO of 2i, commented: “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. Moore Kingston Smith has proven to be the ideal partner to support our ongoing growth strategy.”

Guy Nieuwenhuys, Rockpool Investments, 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.”

Mike Orton, Corporate Finance Partner and Head of Transaction Services at Moore Kingston Smith, concluded: “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. We wish them all the success in this new chapter.”