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Perficient Acquisition

Perficient Acquisition: Key Details, Impact, and What Comes Next

February 13, 2025

EQT's acquisition of Perficient for approximately $3 billion marks a significant move in the digital consultancy sector. This all-cash transaction, approved by Perficient's Board of Directors, underscores EQT's commitment to expanding its portfolio with high-performing global talent and next-generation digital offerings. The acquisition is expected to bolster Perficient's capabilities in helping enterprises navigate digital transformation.

What Is Perficient?

Perficient

Founded in 1997, Perficient provides end-to-end digital consulting services to global enterprises. Their core offerings include strategy and transformation, customer experience, innovation, technology platforms, data intelligence, and optimized global delivery. Perficient stands out with its expertise in generative artificial intelligence, comprehensive digital strategies, and tailored industry solutions. Their global delivery model and commitment to an inclusive and diverse workplace further differentiate them in the market.

Who Acquired Perficient?

EQT Group is a global investment organization known for its strategic investments in high-quality companies across various sectors. Their key services include Private Capital, focusing on healthcare, technology, and industrial technology; Real Assets, emphasizing sustainable infrastructure and real estate; and Private Wealth, providing private investors access to their portfolio. With over 300 portfolio companies worldwide, EQT's thematic investment approach and active ownership have established them as a leader in the investment industry.

When Was Perficient Acquired?

EQT announced its acquisition of Perficient on May 5, 2024, and completed the transaction on October 2, 2024. This acquisition occurred during a period of rapid technological evolution, where enterprises increasingly sought trusted partners to navigate digital transformation. The timing also coincided with significant industry trends emphasizing digital capabilities and global market competition, underscoring the strategic importance of this move for both companies.

Why Was Perficient Acquired?

Market Expansion: The acquisition of Perficient by EQT represents a significant market expansion for EQT, as Perficient is a leading global digital consultancy. This move allows EQT to broaden its portfolio and strengthen its presence in the digital consultancy market. Additionally, Perficient's focus on expanding its high-performing global talent and enhancing client relationships aligns with EQT's long-term growth strategy.

Technology Integration: Perficient is renowned for its role in delivering end-to-end digital consulting capabilities and innovative solutions to help large enterprises and brands succeed. This implies a strong emphasis on integrating advanced technology solutions into their consulting services to drive digital transformation for their clients. By acquiring Perficient, EQT can leverage this technological expertise to enhance its own offerings and support its portfolio companies in achieving digital excellence.

Competitive Advantage: Perficient’s competitive advantage lies in its world-class digital consulting capabilities, unmatched global delivery, and practical approach to helping clients exceed expectations and outpace competition. The acquisition by EQT is expected to further strengthen Perficient’s unique position in the marketplace, leveraging EQT’s experience in the digital technology space. This strategic move enhances EQT's ability to support its portfolio companies in achieving market leadership and operational excellence.

Acquisition Terms

  • Acquisition Price: Approximately $3.0 billion
  • Payment Method: All-cash transaction
  • Key Conditions or Agreements:
    • Perficient stockholders will receive $76.00 per share in cash.
    • The transaction represents a 75% premium to Perficient’s closing stock price on April 29, 2024, and a 51% premium to the 30-day volume-weighted average share price ending April 29, 2024.
    • The transaction has been unanimously approved by Perficient’s Board of Directors.
    • Expected to close by the end of 2024, subject to customary closing conditions, including stockholder and regulatory approvals.
    • The transaction is not subject to a financing condition.
    • Upon completion, Perficient will become a private company, its shares will no longer trade on NASDAQ, and the current management team will continue to lead the company.

Impact on Perficient

The acquisition of Perficient by EQT has led to significant operational changes, most notably the transition from a publicly traded company to a privately held entity. Perficient's headquarters will remain in St. Louis, and Tom Hogan will continue as CEO, ensuring stability in leadership. The current management team will also stay in place, focusing on executing the company's long-term growth strategy. This continuity is expected to maintain operational consistency while leveraging EQT's resources to drive further growth and innovation.

Regarding product offerings and services, the acquisition aligns with EQT's vision, suggesting a continued emphasis on digital consulting capabilities and global delivery. While no immediate changes to Perficient's services have been announced, the company plans to expand its high-performing global talent and invest in next-generation digital offerings. Employee reactions have been positive, with leadership acknowledging their dedication. Customer reactions, though not explicitly detailed, are anticipated to be favorable, given the focus on exceeding client expectations and enhancing service quality.

For founders considering business transitions, tools like Sunset can assist in managing such processes compliantly, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.