Microsoft buys video editing start-up Clipchamp

Johnson Winter & Slattery has advised Microsoft Corporation (USA) on its acquisition of Brisbane-based video editing software start-up Clipchamp.

Clipchamp was founded by a group of former SAP employees in 2013 and is known for its simple-to-use video editing software.

Microsoft purchased the company from its founders Alexander Dreiling, Sören Balko, David Hewitt and Tobi Raub, as well as investors including Transition Level Investments and associated investment syndicate TEN13.

As part of the deal, Clipchamp’s founders will move over to the US tech giant joining its 365 division, remaining Brisbane based.

The Johnson Winter & Slattery team was led by Partners Sophia Bobeff and Jeremy Davis, who were supported by Associate Claudia McEwen and Law Graduate Jonathan Goodrich. Partner Ruveni Kelleher and Associate Meg Prouatt advised on the employment aspects of this transaction, Partner Prashanth Kainthaje and Special Counsel Julian Wan advised on the tax aspects and Partner Ravi de Fonseka and Special Counsel Ken Chan advised on IP aspects.

Partner Sophia Bobeff said the firm was proud to support Microsoft on this international transaction.

“This transaction will enable Microsoft to deliver an easy to use video editing solution to its customers across the globe and marks a new phase in the growth of Clipchamp. There has been a significant uptick in tech M&A over the last 18 months, driven by increasing demand for technology solutions since the onset of the COVID pandemic.  We are delighted to have supported yet another important transaction in Australia’s blooming tech sector. ”

Johnson Winter & Slattery has built a strong reputation for advising US buyers and multinationals acquiring global businesses with Australian operations, particularly in the technology space. The firm has advised on many of the markets most significant transactions in this space, including:

• Insight investments in: Octopus Deploy, for $223m making it the second largest Australian VC deal in history, Employment Hero,  Safety Culture and Linktree
• Veritas and Evergreen acquisition Cubic representing total consideration of US $2.8bn
• Gemini Investments and Tiger Global investment in Stakeshop
• Keyfactor Inc. (Insight Partners portfolio) on its merger with PrimeKey
• Ten Eleven Ventures investment in Kasada
• Tantalus Media sale of interest in Tantalus to Keywords Studios
• CloudBolt acquisition of the cloud management platform Kumolus Group
• CapStreet acquisition of OneAffiniti
• Seven West Media sale of stake in Airtasker Pty Ltd
• OpenView acquisition of Buildkite  and Persuit
• Potentia Capital’s acquisitions of: of NewBook, Commerce Vision, PC-EFTPOS (now linkly) and Premier Technologies.

• Perenti Global establishment of technology driven services including acquisitions of Optika Solutions , ImpRes and Sandpit Innovations
• ACT Inc. sale of eLearning developer Smart Sparrow to Pearson Education Inc.
• Flight Centre acquisition of a stake in travel aggregator platform TPConnects
• Battery Ventures’ acquisition of PageUp and a stake in Learnosity

Perkins & Coie provided US counsel to Microsoft and DLA Piper advised the sellers.

ENDS-

About Johnson Winter & Slattery

Johnson Winter & Slattery is an independent national Australian law firm with over 65 partners and offices across Australia. We advise major Australian and international corporations and investment funds on their most challenging transactions and disputes across Australia and surrounding regions. Working closely with clients, knowing their business, and appreciating their commercial objectives, we tailor our approach to deliver cost-effective commercial outcomes.

Media contacts:  

Daya Knapton, Communications Manager E: Daya.Knapton@jws.com.au T: +61 2 8247 9638

Kate Potter, Business Development Director E: Kate.Potter@jws.com.au T: +61 2 8247 9659

 

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