Moody’s Analytics Knowledge Services rebrands as Acuity Knowledge Partners following completion of Equistone-backed buyout

London, 8 November 2019 – Moody’s Analytics Knowledge Services today announces its rebrand as Acuity Knowledge Partners (“Acuity”) following the completion of its management buyout from Moody’s Corporation, supported by the European mid-market private equity investor Equistone Partners Europe Limited (“Equistone”). Acuity, a leading provider of bespoke research, analytics and automation technology to the financial services sector, has also appointed Philip Gore-Randall as Non-Executive Chairman.

Under its new brand identity and with Equistone’s backing, Acuity will continue to provide market-leading customised knowledge services to a growing, blue-chip client base of over 300 financial services firms globally, in domains such as investment banking, investment research, private equity & consulting and commercial lending. The business is headquartered in London and operates from 9 locations worldwide, employing a specialist workforce of subject matter experts supported by its proprietary suite of Business Excellence and Automation Tools.

Philip Gore-Randall will serve as Acuity’s new Non-Executive Chairman, bringing to bear his extensive experience of working in senior positions within large multinational organisations and advising private equity-backed businesses. After spending the first 25 years of his career at Arthur Andersen, culminating in his appointment as Global Managing Partner and COO, Philip subsequently held roles including COO of Aon UK Ltd and then of HBOS plc (where his responsibilities included overseeing the company’s integration into Lloyds). He has served as Chairman at businesses including ERM Group, Equiom Group, Fircroft Engineering Services, Forensic Risk Alliance and RAK Logistics.

Robert King, CEO of Acuity Knowledge Partners, commented: “We’re delighted to have completed the process of establishing ourselves as an independent company and launched the new Acuity brand. Under our new identity, our focus will remain on providing our clients across the financial services industry with the best-in-class bespoke services delivered by our exceptional teams around the world. We also welcome Philip to the business. With his addition and Equistone’s support, we are well placed to continue investing in our staff and our technology capabilities and to build on our success to date by growing Acuity further.”

Philip Gore-Randall, Chairman of Acuity Knowledge Partners, said: “I’m very pleased to be joining Acuity at this exciting juncture, as it moves forward as an independent business with a proven track record of serving a global client base of blue-chip financial institutions. As Chairman, I’ll be working with Robert and his talented team, as well as Equistone, to maximise the opportunity presented by growing demand within the global financial services sector for offshore, specialist services.”

Tim Swales, Partner at Equistone Partners Europe, added: “We were excited to back this business and management team on account of its impressive leadership, strong market position and the compelling growth drivers for providers of bespoke research and analytical support. Following the completion of the deal, we look forward to working with Robert, his management team and Philip to bolster Acuity’s standing as an independent business committed to enhancing output and providing operational benefits for its customers.”

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For more information please contact:

Hawthorn Advisors
Zinka MacHale / James Davey
+44 (0)20 3745 4960
equistone@hawthornadvisors.com

About Equistone Partners Europe Limited

Equistone is an independent investment firm wholly-owned and managed by its executives. The company is one of Europe’s leading investors in mid-market buyouts with a strong, consistent track record spanning over 40 years, with more than 400 transactions completed in this period. Equistone has a strong focus on change of ownership deals and aims to invest between €25m and €200m+ of equity in businesses with enterprise values of between €50m and €500m. The company has a team of over 40 investment professionals operating across France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the UK, investing as a strategic partner alongside management teams. Equistone is currently investing its sixth buyout fund, which held a final closing at its €2.8bn hard cap in March 2018.

Equistone is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Further information can be found at www.equistonepe.com/.

About Acuity Knowledge Partners

Acuity Knowledge Partners is a leader in knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) services, providing high-value research and analytical support to organizations worldwide. Through delivery centres in India, Sri Lanka, Costa Rica and China, the company serves over 300 banks, asset managers and consulting firms with more than 2,500 subject matter experts working as an extension of clients’ teams. For more information, visit www.acuitykp.com