European mid-market private equity investor Equistone Partners Europe (Equistone) is to acquire Moody’s Analytics Knowledge Services (Knowledge Services), a provider of bespoke research, analytics and automation technology to the financial services sector, from Moody’s Corporation.

Established in 2014 through the merger of the Moody’s subsidiaries Copal Partners and Amba Research, Knowledge Services provides various market-leading customised knowledge services, in domains such as investment banking, investment research, private equity & consulting and commercial lending. The business, headquartered in London and operating across nine delivery centres worldwide, employs a specialist workforce of subject matter experts working as an extension of clients’ teams. With the support of the business’s proprietary Business Excellence and Automation Tools, Knowledge Services analysts offer domain expertise to a growing, blue-chip client base of over 250 banks, asset managers and consulting firms globally.
 
Tim Swales, Partner at Equistone Partners Europe, says: “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, who will join the board on behalf of Equistone, adds: “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."
 
Robert King, CEO of Knowledge Services, says: “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."
 
Tim Swales, Richard Briault, Will Copeland and Taha Hasan led the investment on behalf of Equistone. Equistone was advised by DC Advisory, Latham & Watkins, EY and Marsh. Moody’s was advised on this transaction by Centerview Partners and Slaughter and May.
 
Knowledge Services will continue to be led by its existing management team, headed by Robert King, who are investing alongside Equistone. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed and completion of the transaction remains subject to certain closing conditions.