Softcat raises £250m via UK retail share offer to fund US IT deal

Softcat plc, a London-listed provider of IT infrastructure technology and services, has launched a £250 minimum subscription retail share offer to help fund its planned acquisition of U.S.-based General Datatech, L.P. The £785 million enterprise value deal—expected to close in late 2026—will require net proceeds from both a retail offering and a separate institutional placing to proceed. The retail component, conducted via RetailBook, charges no commission on applications, with the issue price to be determined through a bookbuilding process at the close of the offering on September 17, 2026. If the acquisition does not proceed, Softcat’s board may retain funds for general corporate purposes, further investments, or shareholder returns, depending on the circumstances.