Moody’s to sell analytics unit to PE firm Equistone Partners

Moody’s Corporation this week said it has agreed to sell its Moody’s Analytics Knowledge Services (MAKS) business to Equistone Partners Europe Limited (Equistone), a European private equity firm.

MAKS is a leader in knowledge process outsourcing services, providing high-value research and analytical support to organisations worldwide. 

Through delivery centres in India, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka and China, the business serves over 250 banks, asset managers and consulting firms with more than 2,500 subject matter experts working as an extension of its clients’ teams.

“We are confident that Equistone will be a strong partner for the MAKS business and its customers,” said Moody’s Analytics President Mark Almeida.

“Equistone provides a platform to support the growth of the business and its continued evolution as a technology-enabled provider of high-quality, cost-effective services to global enterprises.”

The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to customary closing conditions. It is expected to be dilutive to Moody’s EPS on a GAAP basis in full-year 2019 by up to US $ 0.20 per share, mainly due to certain non-recurring charges associated with the transaction, which will be finalised at closing. On an adjusted EPS basis, excluding the aforementioned non-recurring charges, the impact to full-year 2019 results will be negligible. 

It is anticipated that the sale proceeds and repatriated offshore cash will be used to repurchase approximately US $ 300 million of Moody’s outstanding stock.
Moody’s was advised on this transaction by Centerview Partners and Slaughter and May.