Jaama has been acquired by a group of entrepreneurial investors led by Andrew Holgate. 

Jaama MD Martin Evans with new chief executive Andrew Holgate

Andrew Holgate takes over as chief executive after his investment group acquired Jaama. CEO Jason Francis who originally set up Jaama in 2004 will leave the business after a six-month handover and will remain an investor in the company. Holgate is joined by industry veteran Paul Waterhouse who enters as CFO.

Martin Evans will remain as MD and said: “The focus is very much on ‘business as usual’ but with the benefit of gaining a wealth of experience on growing businesses that will really help drive Jaama’s continued growth plan in the fleet software sector over the coming years.”

New chief executive Andrew Holgate commented on the acquisition: “Jaama is a great business underpinned by a phenomenal team who provide industry leading software backed up by excellent customer service. When I started talking to Jason and his team, I knew it was the right fit and I am delighted to announce that we have completed the deal. We have a long-term strategy and I look forward to working closely with customers, further developing our products and growing the Jaama business.”

Martin Evans and his current executive team of Michelle Morgan, Stuart Mills and James Thresher will continue to run Jaama, which now employs around 120 people, under the stewardship of Holgate.

Evans said: “This is an exciting time for Jaama, its colleagues and customers. Andrew and his investment team have a passion for growing medium-sized businesses that will help us take Jaama to the next level.

“I’m really pleased that Andrew and his investment group have acquired the business rather than being taken over by a competitor or a private equity investor. We will continue with our customer focused ethos supported by ongoing investment in our class-leading Key2 platform,” he added.