Slaughter and May is advising Moody’s Corporation in relation to its agreement to sell its Moody’s Analytics’ Knowledge Services (MAKS) business to Equistone Partners Europe Limited.
MAKS is a leader in knowledge process outsourcing services, providing high-value research and analytical support to organisations worldwide. Through delivery centres in India, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka and China, the business serves over 250 banks, asset managers and consulting firms with more than 2,500 subject matter experts working as an extension of its clients’ teams.
The transaction is expected to close later this year, subject to customary closing conditions. It is anticipated that sale proceeds and repatriated offshore cash will be used to repurchase approximately $300 million of Moody’s outstanding stock.
Slaughter and May acted for Moody’s with support from local counsel in a number of jurisdictions, including Costa Rica, Cyprus, Hong Kong, India, Jersey, Mauritius, the PRC, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the US. Moody’s was also advised on this transaction by Centerview Partners. Latham & Watkins acted for Equistone.