Francisco Partners Acquires Jamf for $2.2 Billion: Apple Device Management Leader Goes Private
In a move signaling renewed confidence in Apple’s enterprise ecosystem, private equity firm Francisco Partners has announced plans to acquire Jamf for $2.2 billion, taking the Apple device management leader private after five years on the public market.
In Brief
Jamf, a leader in Apple device management, is transitioning from a public to a private company following a definitive agreement with Francisco Partners. This $2.2 billion acquisition is poised to provide Jamf with enhanced financial flexibility and strategic alignment, enabling accelerated growth and innovation.
Top Points
- Company: Jamf
- Acquirer: Francisco Partners
- Deal Value: $2.2 billion
- Share Price: $13.05 per share
- Premium: 50% over 90-day volume weighted average closing price prior to September 11, 2025
- Current Ownership: Vista Equity Partners owns 34% and will exit post-acquisition
- Revenue: $176.5 million in Q2 2025, $710 million ARR
- Growth Rate: 15% YoY in Q2 2025
- IPO Date: July 2020
- IPO Price: $26 per share
- Peak Stock Price: $47.97 in November 2021
Detailed Recap
Jamf, a leader in managing Apple devices, announced its acquisition by Francisco Partners. This global investment firm focuses on technology businesses. The deal is worth $2.2 billion. Francisco Partners will get all Jamf common stock shares for $13.05 each. This will be an all-cash deal. This price is a 50% premium over Jamf’s average closing share price for the 90 days before September 11, 2025.
John Strosahl, CEO of Jamf, highlighted the benefits of the acquisition. He said, “Moving to a private company will give us more financial flexibility. This will help us grow, innovate, and strengthen our market leadership.” Brian Decker, Partner and Co-CIO at Francisco Partners, expresses excitement about the deal. He noted Jamf’s strong market position and the company’s focus on growth.
The acquisition marks a significant shift for Jamf, which went public in July 2020 at an IPO price of $26 per share. The company’s stock peaked at $47.97 in November 2021, but has since faced challenges, with its valuation dropping significantly. The deal with Francisco Partners values Jamf at approximately 3.3 times its annual recurring revenue (ARR) of $710 million, highlighting the challenges faced by B2B software companies in maintaining high valuations.
Mini-Timeline
- 2002: Jamf is founded.
- July 2020: Jamf goes public with an IPO price of $26 per share.
- November 2021: Jamf’s stock reaches a peak trading price of $47.97.
- September 11, 2025: Reference date for the 90-day volume weighted average closing price.
- October 29, 2025: Jamf announces its acquisition by Francisco Partners for $2.2 billion.
Trade, Tariffs & Export Controls
The acquisition of Jamf by Francisco Partners marks a significant shift in the landscape of technology management, particularly in the realm of Apple device management. This $2.2 billion deal underscores the growing importance of strategic financial maneuvers in the tech sector, especially as companies navigate complex trade environments and export controls.
The transaction, which involves the purchase of all outstanding shares at $13.05 per share, represents a 50% premium over Jamf’s 90-day volume weighted average closing share price prior to September 11, 2025. This premium reflects the strategic value Francisco Partners sees in Jamf’s capabilities to manage and secure Apple devices, a niche but critical area in the tech industry.
The acquisition also highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by international trade policies and tariffs. As a company that operates globally, Jamf’s transition to a private entity could provide more flexibility in navigating these challenges without the immediate pressures of public market expectations. This move could potentially shield Jamf from the volatility of international trade tensions, allowing it to focus on long-term strategic goals without the constraints of quarterly earnings reports.
Sustainability & Lifecycle
Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in technology management, with companies like Jamf playing a pivotal role in extending the lifecycle of Apple devices through effective management and security solutions. By ensuring that devices are well-managed and secure, Jamf contributes to reducing electronic waste and promoting the sustainable use of technology.
This aligns with broader industry trends where companies are being held accountable for their environmental impact. The acquisition by Francisco Partners could further enhance Jamf’s sustainability initiatives. As a private company, Jamf may have more leeway to invest in long-term sustainability projects without the immediate pressure from shareholders to deliver short-term financial results.
This could include initiatives aimed at improving the energy efficiency of device management processes or developing new solutions that extend the lifespan of devices, thereby reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Domestic Alternatives & Substitution
In the context of increasing geopolitical tensions and a push for domestic alternatives, Jamf’s acquisition could be seen as a strategic move to bolster domestic capabilities in technology management. As governments and organizations seek to reduce reliance on foreign technology solutions, Jamf’s strong position in the Apple ecosystem positions it well to capitalize on this trend.
The acquisition may also enable Jamf to explore partnerships or acquisitions that enhance its domestic capabilities, potentially leading to the development of new products or services that cater to the specific needs of U.S.-based organizations. This could include solutions that address unique regulatory requirements or security concerns, further solidifying Jamf’s position as a leader in the domestic technology management space.
Grid, Infrastructure & Reliability
The reliability of technology infrastructure is critical for organizations that rely on Apple devices for their operations. Jamf’s solutions play a key role in ensuring that these devices are managed effectively, reducing downtime and enhancing productivity. The acquisition by Francisco Partners could provide Jamf with the resources needed to further enhance its infrastructure capabilities, potentially leading to the development of new solutions that improve the reliability of Apple devices in enterprise environments.
This focus on infrastructure and reliability is particularly important as organizations increasingly rely on digital solutions to support remote work and other flexible working arrangements. By ensuring that Apple devices are managed effectively, Jamf helps organizations maintain the reliability of their technology infrastructure, supporting business continuity and productivity.
Jamf: What Changes, What Doesn’t
Francisco Partners’ acquisition of Jamf marks a big shift in ownership. But, many parts of the business will likely stay the same. Jamf CEO John Strosahl says going private will give the company more money to work with. This move aims to boost growth, enhance innovation and M&A, and solidify market leadership. This shows that Jamf’s core mission and goals will stay the same, even with new ownership. Francisco Partners commits to helping Jamf grow. They aim to provide customers with a wider range of secure and effective products. This likely means Jamf’s products and customer focus will stay the same. Francisco Partners can provide extra resources and support. This could help Jamf enhance its current solutions. This might also allow them to find new growth opportunities.
After-Sales, Updates, and Repairability
After-sales support, regular updates, and repairability are critical components of Jamf’s value proposition. Jamf helps organizations maximize their Apple devices by managing and updating them well. The acquisition by Francisco Partners will boost Jamf’s abilities. This will help us find better ways to improve after-sales support and manage devices.
One potential area of focus could be the development of solutions that enhance the repairability of Apple devices, reducing the need for costly replacements and supporting sustainability initiatives. By improving the repairability of devices, Jamf could help organizations extend the lifecycle of their technology investments, reducing electronic waste and promoting more sustainable technology use.
FAQ
What is the significance of the acquisition price?
The acquisition price of $13.05 per share represents a 50% premium over Jamf’s 90-day volume weighted average closing share price prior to September 11, 2025. This premium reflects the strategic value Francisco Partners sees in Jamf’s capabilities.
How will the acquisition affect Jamf’s sustainability initiatives?
As a private company, Jamf may have more flexibility to invest in long-term sustainability projects, potentially enhancing its efforts to reduce electronic waste and promote sustainable technology use.
What changes can customers expect following the acquisition?
While the ownership structure is changing, Jamf’s core mission and strategic goals are expected to remain consistent. Customers can expect continued support and enhancements to Jamf’s existing solutions.
How does the acquisition impact Jamf’s position in the domestic technology management space?
The acquisition could enable Jamf to explore partnerships or acquisitions that enhance its domestic capabilities, potentially leading to the development of new products or services that cater to the specific needs of U.S.-based organizations.
Conclusion
The acquisition of Jamf by Francisco Partners marks a major pivot in Apple enterprise management. As Jamf transitions to private ownership, the move may redefine innovation, sustainability, and reliability standards for Apple-focused IT management worldwide.
Sources
- ir.jamf.com
- appleinsider.com
- saastr.com
