RWS has entered into a binding agreement to acquire Acogroup, the parent company of language and content services provider Acolad. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The transaction will significantly expand RWS’ enterprise client base across Europe and provide additional opportunities to offer its artificial intelligence and multilingual content platforms to Acolad customers.
Acolad is headquartered near Paris and has approximately 1,200 employees across 22 countries in Europe and North America.
Its services include localization, interpreting, transcription, data services and an AI-powered content platform. The company also works with a global network of more than 10,000 linguists and subject-matter experts.
RWS plans to introduce products including its Cultural Intelligence Layer and Language Weaver Pro across the combined customer base.
The companies expect the combination to help clients create, manage and adapt content for international audiences while providing access to a larger network of local language specialists.
Acolad has particular strength in regulated industries, public-sector work and interpreting. Its medical device practice will complement RWS’ existing life sciences business, which includes services for pharmaceutical companies.
RWS serves more than 80 of the world’s 100 largest brands and operates across content generation, transformation and intellectual property protection.
The acquisition is expected to close by March 31, 2027, subject to the completion of French employee information and consultation procedures and regulatory approvals.
RWS and Acolad will continue operating independently until the transaction is completed.
KEY QUOTES:
“This proposed acquisition is strategically compelling and will extend our reach across Europe.”
“Together, we can deepen customer relationships, solve more complex content challenges and deliver greater value across the enterprise.”
Benjamin Faes, CEO of RWS
“Joining forces with RWS represents the natural next chapter of that journey.”
Benjamin du Fraysseix, Co-Founder and Former CEO of Acolad
“Together, we can give our customers access to a broader range of language and content capabilities.”
Bertrand Gstalder, CEO of Acolad
