Issue 9 2020

Acquisition International - Issue 9 2020 5 News : from around the world Largest Woman-Owned Language Service Provider in the States The company experienced 40% organic growth in revenue from 2017 to 2019, and continues to expand its footprint globally, including several locations in Western and Eastern Africa, India, and its newest nearshore multilingual contact centre in Pereira, Colombia. Akorbi, led by CEO and co-founder Claudia Mirza, is thrilled to be ranked #29, #35, and #27 in the world by the Common Sense Advisory (CSA), Nimdzi Insights, and Slator, respectively, in the LSP industry. Akorbi has maintained a top 100 ranking for three years in a row by the CSA; and for two consecutive years, the company has ranked #11 on their North American list. Adding to this impressive track record in 2020, Akorbi was also listed as the fastest-growing Language Service Provider based on the Women Presidents’ Organisation’s (WPO’s) “50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies” rankings. On the company’s recent growth, Azam Mirza, Akorbi’s president and co-founder says, “It is easy to grow a business quickly when you have private equity supporting you. What makes the Akorbi Group of Companies unique is its impressive organic growth and financial performance while remaining 100 percent privately owned. Looking to the future, while continuing to focus on financial controls and sustainability, we plan to assess possible acquisitions while increasing the size and reach of our strategic sales team.” Akorbi’s president said despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has been able to pivot successfully and as needed to continue to support clients’ evolving needs for interpretation, localisation, workforce solutions, and multilingual contact centre support. These rankings prove Akorbi’s ability to adapt and partner successfully with clients to provide relevant solutions for today’s economy. When asked about the key to Akorbi’s success, Claudia Mirza said, “During this uncertain time, I have been exceptionally grateful for our executive team, especially our female leadership who work tirelessly to support our clients and bring in the success we are seeing this year. I am also grateful for my business partner, Azam [Mirza], who continues to support and share my vision for Akorbi which always included dedicating ourselves to job creation and the economic development of women around the world.” As a top-ranked member of the multibillion-dollar global language services industry, Akorbi is one of only a few women-owned LSPs operating successfully in the global market. Even with competition from industry superagencies, Akorbi continues to achieve year-over-year revenue growth. ABGI UK seeking new opportunities following MSC Associates acquisition. Innovation advisor ABGI UK is searching for new acquisition opportunities after completing the integration of Hereford-based R&D tax relief specialist, MSC Associates. ABGI UK, part of the ABGI Group, one of the world’s leading tax incentive and innovation management advisors, advises clients across the UK through its network of regional offices. Earlier this year the company acquired MSC, a firm established in 2012 by Mick Merrick, Steve Crooks and Chris Pinches, exclusively focused on managing clients’ R&D tax relief claims. With MSC’s operations, including the seamless transition of client services, now integrated into its new owner’s business, ABGI UK has announced it is looking at further acquisitions to fuel its growth plans. Scott Henderson, Chief Executive of ABGI UK said: “ABGI UK continues to go from strength to strength. Following our successful acquisition and integration of MSC, whose founding directors worked closely with us before exiting the business, we are seeking new opportunities for growth across the UK. “In addition to drive further organic growth - we’ve generated a 100% increase in new business over the last year - we are also interested in businesses like MSC which share our solid infrastructure as well as high service standards and close client relationships. Where we find an ideal fit and close cultural alignment, we will be looking to make further acquisitions going forward. “At a time of economic uncertainty, more and more UK businesses will need to focus on innovation and also ensure they secure the many support measures that are available to help them in that process. This funding for innovation is now critical to businesses emerging from the pandemic and facing a potential impact from Brexit at the end of this year. This challenging environment creates significant growth opportunities for high quality advisory businesses like ours.” New Opportu