[8] By the late 1970s Steve Shirley had recognised that, as founder entrepreneur, it was time to let go and in 1987, with Hilary Cropper's appointment as CEO, was able to bow out.

It was announced on 27 July to the London Stock Exchange that the company was in advanced talks regarding a possible takeover.

On 30 July 2007, Groupe Steria SCA announced a recommended cash offer for Xansa Plc of 130p per share.

The purchase of Xansa was completed via a scheme of arrangement by Steria on 17 October 2007 and the company was delisted from the London Stock Exchange.

[12] Xansa also had some smaller clients, including a high-profile partnership with Renault F1, and had a logo on the F1 car.