Acuity Knowledge Partners (formerly a Moodys Corporation subsidiary)
are new owners of research and analytics companies. They are committed to
expanding their operations in Sri Lanka and believe it is the fastest-growing
location among their international distribution centers.
Moody's Analytics Knowledge Services (formerly Amba Research)
announced their rebranding as Acuity Knowledge Partners last month. It followed
a management buyout from Moody's Corporation, backed by Equistone Partners
Europe Ltd. (Equistone), European mid-market private equity investor.
Acuity is a
leading provider of customized research, analytics, and automation technology
for the financial services industry. Established in Sri Lanka in 2003, Acuity has
offices in the United Kingdom, the United States, India, Costa Rica, and China.
The Investment
Director of Equistone, Richard Briault, and Partner of Equistone, Tim Swales,
were in Sri Lanka, to announce the new ownership and branding. Acuity CEO and
Director Robert King joined them.
Acuity has a
broad client base of more than 300 financial services firms in fields such as
investment banking, investment management, private equity, advisory, and
commercial lending. It hires more than 2,500 professional analysts worldwide,
with Sri Lanka comprising around 10% of them. In July this year, while Acuity revealed
the change in ownership, the company posted a third-quarter record. "We
are pleased that the market responded to the announcement positively. Customers
respect our quality and experience," Robert said.
"Our staff
knows we have a strong supporter in Equistone, and the company is doing well,
and we're investing in Sri Lanka. We opened new distribution facilities which
this year will lead to an increase in numbers of 20 percent. Next year we are
expecting similar growth. Sri Lanka is going to be our fastest-growing site,
"Robert announced. Together with
Equistone, Robert, as CEO and co-investor, acknowledged and included the
tenured analyst pool of Acuity in the ownership structure. The analysts are its
most significant resource, representing more than 300 of the top financial
corporations in the world. "As an employee from day one, I can tell this
movie has had a tremendous impact on motivation," said Chanakya.
Robert was
emphatic that Acuity aims to be the global financial services sector's # 1 marine
research and analytics partner. "We believe we are the biggest and leading
player, and we want to grow stronger and stronger." He said it was equally
important to continue creating an excellent business for customers and an
exceptional workplace for workers, where they have career opportunities and a
committed and supportive management team that will invest in further
development and learning.
OSL Take: The decision
to expand in Sri Lanka is an expression of confidence in Sri Lanka’s economy
and growth. These words encapsulate the importance of Sri Lanka in the Indian
Ocean region and would undoubtedly provide many reasons for foreign
businesses/investors to explore opportunities in the island nation.
As pointed out
by the research company, Sri Lanka has shown excellent signs of returning to
normalcy following the Easter Sunday attacks. Also, the resilience shown by the
island when faced with adverse situations has increased business/investor
confidence in Sri Lanka. Therefore, foreign businesses/investors could explore
business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.
VBS/AT/05022020/Z_TB2
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