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Acuity Knowledge Partners (Acuity), a global leader in research, data management, analytics, and AI solutions for financial services, has completed its acquisition of Ascent. This move strengthens Acuity's Data and Technology Services (DTS) division, enhancing its AI-powered offerings for financial institutions, corporates, and consulting firms worldwide.
Acuity acquires Ascent, expanding into reinsurance, pharma, manufacturing, and retail.
Grows workforce to over 6,500 analysts and experts globally.
Ascent operates in seven European countries, serving 170+ clients.
Strengthens Microsoft partnership with seven specializations.
Adds new European locations to Acuity's 16 global sites.
Follows launches of Agent Fleet and RFP Pulse platforms.
Founded in 2005, Ascent supports AI-driven digital transformation for over 170 clients across Europe. Its integration into Acuity's DTS division expands capabilities in data science, Agentic AI, cloud services, software engineering, digital product development, UX design, and enterprise platform management. "Transformative data management and technology capabilities are key growth areas for Acuity," said Robert King, Chief Executive Officer at Acuity.
The acquisition introduces new sectors like reinsurance, pharma, manufacturing, and retail, while enhancing Acuity's Microsoft partnership. With seven Microsoft Specializations across four solution areas, Acuity now offers enhanced technology advisory services for innovation and operational resilience. "The integration of Ascent means we can combine our advanced understanding of AI platforms, scale our impact, deliver even greater value to customers," said Jon O’Donnell, Chief Operating Officer at Acuity.
All Ascent teams will transition into Acuity, fostering a combined business poised for growth. This follows recent innovations like the Agentic AI platform Agent Fleet, RFP Pulse, and a Databricks partnership. "Acuity can now offer clients enhanced world-class technology advisory services," added Stewart Smythe, Head of DTS at Acuity.
Acuity's acquisition of Ascent positions it at the forefront of domain-led digital transformation, enabling clients to unlock innovation through scalable AI solutions. With an expanded global footprint and expertise, Acuity supports over 650 financial institutions and consulting firms in operating efficiently and transforming operations.
Acuity Knowledge Partners (Acuity) is a leading global provider of bespoke research, data management, analytics and AI solutions to the financial services sector, including asset managers, corporate and investment banks, private equity and venture capital firms, hedge funds and consulting firms. Its global network of over 6,500 analysts and industry experts, combined with proprietary technology, supports more than 650 financial institutions and consulting companies to operate more efficiently, unlock their human capital and transform operations. Acuity is headquartered in London and operates from 16 locations worldwide. Acuity was established as a separate business from Moody’s Corporation in 2019, following its acquisition by Equistone Partners Europe (Equistone). In January 2023, funds advised by global private equity firm Permira acquired a majority stake in the business from Equistone, which remains invested as a minority shareholder.
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