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RWS completes Acolad purchase to expand its European language business

RWS completed its acquisition of Acogroup, the parent of language and content services provider Acolad. Total consideration of 40.2 million pounds includes 17.8 million pounds of acquired cash, giving an enterprise value of 22.4 million pounds. The purchase brings a business operating in 22 countries into RWS and expands its customer relationships in Western Europe.

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Close-up of an interpreter headset, microphone and audio console in a Paris-region interpreting booth, with a glass partition and acoustic panels behind.

Completion after French clearance

RWS Holdings, a language and content services company, completed its acquisition of Acogroup, parent of language-services provider Acolad.[1], [2]

RWS Holdings, the London-listed language and content services company based in Berkshire, England, completed its purchase of Acogroup, parent of the Acolad language-services business. The transaction followed approval from France’s economy ministry and consultation with the relevant French works councils. Acolad is based in the Paris region, while RWS generated approximately 700 million pounds in revenue in the previous year.[1]

Cash included in the purchase price

The total consideration payable is 40.2 million pounds, including approximately 17.8 million pounds of cash held by Acolad at completion. The stated enterprise value is therefore 22.4 million pounds. Acolad reported revenue of 182 million pounds for the year ended 31 December 2025 and adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of 13 million pounds. The earnings figure uses an adjusted measure that excludes those named charges.[1]

Customers across regulated industries

Founded in 1995, Acolad employs approximately 1,200 people and operates in 22 countries in Europe and North America. Around half its revenue comes from regulated industries. Its activities include interpreting and adapting content for local languages, with clients including public institutions and medical device companies. RWS says the purchase broadens its Western European customer relationships. Chief executive Benjamin Faes said greater scale would support investment in new language technologies and products.[1]

References

  1. News sourceBusinessCloudRWS completes Acolad purchase at 22.4 million pound enterprise value↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceAskTradersRWS completes Acolad purchase at 22.4 million pound enterprise value↩
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