Moody’s Analytics Knowledge Services to continue as an independent company backed by Equistone; expands its proprietary suite of automation tools

Moody’s Analytics Knowledge Services to continue as an independent company backed by Equistone; expands its proprietary suite of automation tools

Equistone takes over Moody’s Analytics Knowledge Services from Moody’s Corporation (NYSE: MCO)

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 17-Jul-2019 — /EuropaWire/ — The leading provider of research, analytics and automation technology to the financial services sector, Moody’s Analytics Knowledge Services has been acquired by Europe’s leading mid-market private equity investors Equistone Partners Europe Limited. The seller is Moody’s Corporation (NYSE: MCO).

Moody’s Analytics Knowledge Services has been formed by the the merger of the Moody’s subsidiaries Copal Partners and Amba Research in 2014. Moody’s Analytics Knowledge Services is active in the customised knowledge services with focus on investment banking, investment research, private equity & consulting and commercial lending.

The company is based in London and operates 9 delivery centres worldwide employing some 2600 subject matter experts working as an extension of clients’ teams. The research and analytics firm relies on its proprietary Business Excellence and Automation Tools which help its analysts offer domain expertise to a growing, blue-chip client base of over 250 banks, asset managers and consulting firms globally.

Commenting on the Moody’s Analytics Knowledge Services acquisition, Tim Swales, Partner at Equistone Partners Europe, stated:

“The market for bespoke research and analytical support to the global financial services sector has expanded significantly in the past decade, fuelled by a growing appreciation that utilising offshore, specialist services can enhance output and provide operational benefits. Knowledge Services has firmly established itself as one of the leading providers in this fast-growing space.”

Richard Briault from Equistone will be joining Moody’s Analytics Knowledge Services board. He commented as well:

“We’re excited to be backing the experienced incumbent management team in growing an independent, customer-focused business. Equistone looks forward to supporting the company in continuing to provide high-quality services to the expanding client base.”

Moody’s Analytics Knowledge Services CEO Robert King commented on Equistone’s backing:

“The success of Knowledge Services is a testament to the strength of demand from the financial services industry for our market-leading services, and the exceptional quality of our teams around the world. As an independent company, with Equistone’s backing, we plan to continue expanding our proprietary suite of automation tools by investing further in our technology capabilities. We will retain our focus on delivering best-in-class bespoke services to our clients and offering a great work environment for our staff.”

DC Advisory, Latham & Watkins, EY and Marsh advised Equistone on the deal while Tim Swales, Richard Briault, Will Copeland and Taha Hasan led the investment on behalf of Equistone. Centerview Partners and Slaughter and May worked on the side of Moody’s during this transaction.

The existing management will lead the Knowledge Services (Moody’s Analytics Knowledge Services) as Robert King will remain the head. Both Robert King and the existing management invested alongside Equistone.

The financial information about the deal has not been disclosed and the closing will be subject to certain conditions.

Media contacts:

Hawthorn Advisors
James Davey / Zinka MacHale
Tel: +44 (0)20 3745 4960
E-Mail: j.davey@hawthornadvisors.com
E-Mail: z.machale@hawthornadvisors.com

SOURCE: Equistone