Acuity Knowledge Partners, a global leader in research, data management, analytics, and AI solutions for the financial services industry, announced it has exchanged contracts to acquire Ascent, a leading European AI-driven digital transformation services provider. The transaction is expected to close on September 30, 2025. This strategic acquisition significantly strengthens Acuity's Data and Technology Services (DTS) division and its portfolio of technology and AI-led offerings.
Acuity Knowledge Partners announced acquisition of European AI services firm Ascent.
Ascent supports 170+ clients globally with 550 experts across seven European countries.
Acquisition expands Acuity’s AI, data management, and technology-led service capabilities.
Enables entry into new sectors—reinsurance, pharma, manufacturing, retail—and new markets.
Enhances Acuity's ability to deliver digital transformation and AI adoption services.
Expected to close by September 30, 2025, with strong synergies anticipated.
Robert King, CEO of Acuity, describes the acquisition as “a transformative moment,” highlighting how acquiring Ascent turbocharges Acuity’s ability to assist clients in their digital transformation and AI adoption journeys. The deal opens growth opportunities in previously untapped sectors and broadens Acuity’s global footprint.
Jon O’Donnell, COO of Acuity, expressed enthusiasm about integrating Ascent’s capabilities into Acuity’s AI solutions, particularly alongside the Agentic AI platform, Agent Fleet, to enhance technology advisory services.
Stewart Smythe, CEO at Ascent, remarked on the exciting combination of Ascent’s market-leading AI and data capabilities with Acuity’s innovation and domain expertise. The partnership aims to build a robust global technology services unit that complements Acuity’s existing research, analytics, and data management strengths.
Acuity is a premier provider of bespoke research, data management, analytics, and AI solutions primarily for the financial services sector. Its global team of over 6,500 analysts and experts serves more than 650 clients worldwide, helping them enhance operational efficiency and unlock human capital. Acuity operates from 16 locations globally and was established independently from Moody’s Corporation in 2019.
Ascent is a leading European digital transformation services company specializing in AI, data science, cloud, and software engineering. The company helps organizations modernize operations, improve decision-making, and scale innovation across enterprises in the UK, Europe, and North America.
TechIntelPro empowers B2B technology decision-makers with the latest industry trends, deep insights, leadership perspectives and actionable intelligence to drive both organizational and professional milestones—and thrive on the tech pulse.