Horizon Capital sells Ascent Group to Acuity Knowledge Partners

The transaction involved cross-border legal and regulatory considerations and represents an important milestone in Acuity’s international growth strategy.

Ascent Group, employing more than 550 data, software, and cloud specialists across seven jurisdictions and serving over 170 clients globally, has established itself as a key European player in AI-powered digital transformation. The acquisition by Acuity—backed by Permira and Equistone Partners—will allow Ascent to accelerate its expansion as part of Acuity’s Data and Technology Services division.

The deal enhances Acuity’s technological and sector expertise across industries such as reinsurance, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and retail. Combining Acuity’s deep domain knowledge with Ascent’s advanced digital capabilities and close partnership with Microsoft, the group aims to deliver even more innovative, AI-led solutions to its global client base.

DWF acted as lead counsel to Horizon Capital, while Schoenherr served as Austrian legal advisor, providing support on corporate/M&A and competition law aspects of the transaction.

The Schoenherr team was led by Michael Marschall (partner), and included Lukas Pirringer (attorney at law), Anna Visontai-Knor (attorney at law), who covered competition and FDI matters, as well as Clemens Rainer (partner) and Markus Buchleitner (attorney at law), who advised on real estate aspects. "We are delighted to have supported Horizon Capital on this successful exit," said Schoenherr partner Michael Marschall, who led the advisory team. "This transaction showcases Horizon Capital's ability to create and scale leading technology platforms and marks another exciting growth milestone for Ascent." Schoenherr had previously advised Ascent Group on its cross-border acquisition of PARKSIDE, an Austrian company specialising in individual software development, in 2024.

Sophie Stevenard