Specialist lawyers at Walker Morris have advised the principal shareholders of cyber security and web filtering firm, Smoothwall, on its management buyout (MBO) backed by private equity investor, Tenzing.

Founded in 2001 and with its head office based in Leeds, Smoothwall focuses on real-time, content aware web filtering technologies combined with next generation firewall.

The company works closely with schools, local government, healthcare and private sector organisations to protect their networks against cyber security threats.

With an established UK presence and a growing footprint in the US market, the MBO was conducted after Smoothwall demonstrated consistent sales driven by increasing cyber security demands and the use of mobile devices in organisations.

The MBO will see changes to Smoothwall’s management structure, with former COO, Michael Marks, moving into the position of CEO and founders of Tenzing joining the board. The incumbent senior management team will remain in place and will work alongside new chairperson, Lisa Stone, and non-executive director, Richard Hurd-Wood.

The Walker Morris team was led by corporate partner, Debbie Jackson, who was supported by Laura Cavell, Dylan Eastwood, Richie Lamb and Adrian Moss from corporate, Nicola Parkinson from tax and Lorna Hopps from employment.