DLA Piper advises Accel-KKR on acquisition of NZ-founded tech company Whip Around

DLA Piper has advised global technology-focused private equity firm Accel-KKR on its acquisition of NZ-founded fleet maintenance and compliance software provider Whip Around.

Accel-KKR is a technology-focused investment firm with over USD23 billion in cumulative capital commitments. The firm focuses on software and tech-enabled businesses, well-positioned for topline and bottom-line growth. Whip Around is a cloud-based inspection and maintenance platform that digitises workflows for vehicles, equipment and job sites. The deal reflects continued international investor interest in New Zealand-founded technology businesses that have successfully scaled into key offshore markets, particularly North America.

Demonstrating the firm’s strength in supporting complex, cross-border technology and private equity transactions, the transaction involved DLA Piper teams in New Zealand and the US working in close collaboration to deliver seamless, multi-jurisdictional support.

DLA Piper’s New Zealand-based team was led by Reuben Woods (Partner – Corporate M&A), supported by Steph McQuaid, Tayla McEntee and Sneha Kant. Michael Thompson (Finance), Pavanie Edirisuriya (Regulatory), Nick Valentine (Intellectual Property and Technology), Justin March (Real Estate), Laura Scampion (Employment) and David Johnston (Tax) also supported on other legal aspects of the deal. DLA Piper's US team was led by Joydeep Dasmunshi.

“We are thrilled to partner with Whip Around at this stage of their evolution,” said Park Durrett, Managing Director at Accel KKR, in a release earlier this month. “The team has built an exceptional product, and we see opportunity to help accelerate their growth—both organically and through strategic acquisitions.”

Reuben Woods, Partner at DLA Piper in New Zealand, said: “We are very proud to have supported the Accel-KKR on another fantastic deal in New Zealand, working closely with our DLA Piper US colleagues Joydeep, Pam and team to deliver seamless cross-border support. It's great to see New Zealand tech companies continuing to attract attention from best-in-class global tech investors such as Accel-KKR.”

DLA Piper is the #1 ranked legal advisor in the world in mergers and acquisitions deal volume, according to Mergermarket's league tables, topping global M&A deals for 16 consecutive years. In 2025, DLA Piper advised on more than 1,300 transactions with a disclosed aggregate deal value of approximately USD97 billion.