Acuity Knowledge Partners acquires Ascent

LONDON, 18th September 2025 - Acuity Knowledge Partners (Acuity), a leading global provider of bespoke research, data management, analytics and AI solutions to the financial services sector, has announced that it has exchanged on the acquisition of Ascent. The transaction is expected to close on 30th September 2025.

This strategic move is expected to significantly expand Acuity's Data and Technology Services (DTS) division and its offering of technology and AI services and solutions.
Ascent, a leading European provider of AI-powered digital transformation services, supports over 170 clients globally, with 550 data, software, and cloud specialists operating across seven European jurisdictions.

"Our acquisition of Ascent is a transformative moment", said Robert King, Chief Executive Officer at Acuity. "With this deal, we have expanded our fast-growing Data and Technology Services division and have significantly advanced our capabilities to support global clients across multiple markets through deepening our existing relationships. While expanding our core financial services client base, this acquisition also takes us into new sectors such as reinsurance, pharma, manufacturing and retail for the first time. The acquisition enables us to scale our AI-based services and solutions worldwide. I am excited at the prospect of what we can achieve together and warmly welcome the Ascent staff to the Acuity family."

Jon O'Donnell, Chief Operating Officer at Acuity, said, "The Ascent business is a great addition to Acuity and will build on the progress we have made with our AI solutions following the launch of our Agentic AI platform, Agent Fleet. The acquisition of Ascent will boost our capacity to provide best-in-class technology advisory services to our clients. I am excited to partner with Stewart and the Ascent team to significantly grow our DTS business."

Stewart Smythe, Chief Executive Officer at Ascent, commented, "Combining Ascent's market-leading data and AI capability in Europe with Acuity's industry-leading AI innovation and deep domain expertise is exciting. Acuity's strategic aim to build a global technology services business unit to complement its capabilities and build broader relationships with its existing clients is exactly the opportunity my team were looking for, and we are excited to work with Robert King, Jon O'Donnell and the entire Acuity team."

In recent years, Acuity has identified a compelling opportunity to build a technology services and solutions division that is complementary to its core capabilities in research, analytics and data management.

This acquisition enhances Acuity's capabilities and expands the firm's global network of delivery locations. Furthermore, Acuity will continue to build on Ascent's strong alliance with Microsoft.

Acuity was advised on the transaction by DC Advisory and Ascent by Canaccord Genuity.