PERMIRA TO BUY ACUITY KNOWLEDGE PARTNERS FROM EQUISTONE

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Acuity Knowledge Partners (Acuity) announced that funds advised by Permira, the global private equity firm, have acquired a majority stake in the business from Equistone Partners Europe (Equistone), one of Europe’s leading mid-market private equity investors.

According to Acuity in a statement, Equistone will reinvest as a minority shareholder in Acuity whilst Acuity’s management team will remain significantly invested in and committed to the business.

“We are now driving numerous strategies for developing our offerings, with the support from Permira and Equistone, who both have significant experience of investing in and growing first-class businesses in our sector.

“Given the significant demand within the financial services sector for value-added research and analytics, and the need for operational efficiency, with Permira’s deep experience in tech-enabled services and its global network, I am confident the business will continue to flourish,” said Acuity chief executive officer, Robert King.

Acuity has recorded strong organic growth since it was established as an independent business in 2019 via a management buyout from Moody’s Corporation supported by Equistone.

Under the Permira funds’ ownership, and with Equistone’s continued support, Acuity will invest further in its teams, services and technology, positioning the business to best support its clients worldwide.

The deal, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2023.

Headquartered in London, Acuity, a provider of high-value research, analytics and business intelligence to the financial services sector, serves a global client base of over 500 financial services firms, including banks, asset managers, advisory firms, private equity houses and consultants.

Its diverse team of analysts, industry experts, developers and data scientists work as an extension of clients’ teams and combined with its proprietary technology solutions, allow clients to transform their practices and processes, increase revenues and maximise operational efficiency.

-- BERNAMA