SQS Software Quality Systems to be Acquired by Assystem Services

Dechert LLP represented SQS Software Quality Systems AG (“SQS”), a leading independent provider of end-to-end software quality assurance services, on its proposed acquisition by Assystem Services Deutschland GmbH, a leader in the European research and development market. The all-cash bid values SQS at GBP 281.3 million. First announced on December 15, 2017, the offer is expected to close in February 2018 pending regulatory approvals and assuming satisfaction of the acceptance and other conditions.

SQS is a German registered company whose shares are traded on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market. SQS provides its services to over 500 clients, across 25 countries, and through 4,500 employees. Since inception over 30 years ago, SQS has delivered over 10,000 projects. Assystem is among the leading pan-European players in outsourced research and development and one of the top five in France, specializing in outsourced research and development for industrial clients operating in a number of sectors, with the ability to address both process design and project management. Assystem is ultimately controlled by Ardian LBO Fund VI B, the leveraged buyout arm of Ardian Group, a world-leading private investment house with assets of approximately US$62 billion managed or advised.  

The London-based Dechert team was led by corporate partner Sean Geraghty with assistance from corporate associates Jodie Valler-Feltham and Isabella Sharpley.

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