Acuity Knowledge Partners (Acuity), a global provider of research, data management, analytics, and AI solutions for the financial services sector, has announced an agreement to acquire Ascent, a European provider of AI-powered digital transformation services. The transaction is anticipated to conclude on September 30, 2025.
This acquisition is expected to significantly enhance Acuity’s Data and Technology Services (DTS) division, broadening its portfolio of technology and AI-driven solutions. Ascent, which supports over 170 clients worldwide, operates with 550 data, software, and cloud specialists across seven European jurisdictions.
Robert King, Chief Executive Officer at Acuity, described the acquisition as a “transformative moment.” He noted that Acuity has developed a rapidly expanding practice in data management and technology-led services. “By acquiring Ascent, we are taking our expertise and ability to offer our clients innovative AI-led solutions to another level. We are turbo-charging the way we can assist Acuity and Ascent clients with their digital transformations and AI adoption,” King stated. He also highlighted that the acquisition will enable Acuity to enter new sectors such as reinsurance, pharma, manufacturing, and retail, and to deliver services from and into new markets.
Jon O’Donnell, Chief Operating Officer at Acuity, commented that Ascent will be a valuable addition, building upon the progress made with Acuity’s AI solutions, including its Agentic AI platform, Agent Fleet. O’Donnell anticipates that the acquisition will boost Acuity’s capacity to deliver technology advisory services to its clients.
Stewart Smythe, Chief Executive Officer at Ascent, expressed enthusiasm for combining Ascent’s data and AI capabilities in Europe with Acuity’s AI innovation and domain expertise. Smythe views Acuity’s strategic objective to establish a global technology services business unit, complementing its existing capabilities and fostering broader client relationships, as a key opportunity for his team.
In recent years, Acuity has identified a strategic opportunity to develop a technology services and solutions division that complements its core strengths in research, analytics, and data management. This acquisition is poised to strengthen Acuity’s capabilities and expand its global network of delivery locations. Acuity also plans to continue building on Ascent’s established alliance with Microsoft.
Acuity Knowledge Partners, headquartered in London and operating from 16 locations globally, supports over 650 financial institutions with its network of more than 6,500 analysts and industry experts. The firm provides bespoke research, data management, analytics, and AI solutions to various financial entities, including asset managers, corporate and investment banks, private equity firms, and hedge funds. Acuity was established in 2019 as a separate entity from Moody’s Corporation, following its acquisition by Equistone Partners Europe. In January 2023, funds advised by Permira acquired a majority stake, with Equistone retaining a minority investment.
Ascent, founded in 2005 and headquartered in the UK and Munich, is a European AI and digital services business. It specializes in connecting data, software, and cloud to facilitate modernization and innovation for organizations. Ascent’s teams, comprising experts in AI, data science, user experience design, software, and data engineering, collaborate with clients to improve operational efficiency, competitive advantage, decision-making, and user engagement. Ascent serves over 170 businesses across the UK, Europe, and North America.
DC Advisory advised Acuity on the transaction, while Canaccord Genuity advised Ascent.
