A Strategic Acquisition in Belgium to Strengthen Talan’s Position in High-Value-Added Services
On December 15, 2022, Talan, a French group specializing in innovation and transformation consulting, announced the acquisition of Dataroots, a Belgian group leader in artificial intelligence and data engineering.
Dataroots will join Talan’s Data Intelligence division, which includes over 800 consultants across its international operations. This acquisition comes amidst a dynamic, rapidly growing market for data-related consulting and technology services, aligning with Talan’s global strategy to expand its expertise in cutting-edge data intelligence solutions.
About Talan
Talan is a consultancy firm specializing in innovation and technological transformation. Over the past 20 years, the company has supported companies and public institutions in implementing their transformation and innovation projects in France and internationally.
Operating across five continents, Talan aims to achieve revenues of €600 million in 2023 with over 6,000 consultants, targeting more than €1 billion in revenue by 2025. The Group places innovation at the core of its development, focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Data Intelligence, Web3, Blockchain, and IoT.
Through its “human-centered approach to technology,” Talan believes that technology achieves its full potential when it serves humanity and society together.
About Dataroots
Dataroots is a Belgian technology consulting firm specializing in artificial intelligence and next-generation data platforms. Based in Leuven, the company provides businesses and public institutions with competitive advantages through enhanced processes, improved customer and citizen interactions, and regulatory compliance.
This acquisition reflects Talan’s ambition to accelerate its international expansion, following the entry of TowerBrook Capital Partners into its capital structure.
A transaction facilitated by ALTIOS Corporate Finance
ALTIOS Corporate Finance advised Talan throughout this transaction. The firm’s mandate involved:
● Identifying companies complementary to Talan’s business.
● Engaging with potential acquisition targets.
● Conducting valuation and financial analysis of Dataroots.
● Supporting negotiations, due diligence coordination, and drafting the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA).
ALTIOS Corporate Finance’s Contributions:
1. Market Research: Comprehensive identification of potential acquisition targets.
2. Target Engagement: Direct approach to qualified targets.
3. Valuation: Financial analysis of the Dataroots Group.
4. Negotiations: Supporting the terms and conditions of the acquisition.
5. Due Diligence: Coordinating the due diligence process.
ALTIOS Corporate Finance’s trusted relationship with Talan ensured the success of this cross-border transaction, reaffirming the firm’s expertise in facilitating complex international financial operations.
Talent Testimonial
“We are delighted to welcome Dataroots to the company’s journey. This project is part of our ‘Ambition 2025’ plan, in which we have significant international aspirations in data valuation and Data Intelligence technologies. Dataroots has a strong market position and expertise that complement Talan’s offerings, which will enhance our services. Additionally, Dataroots’ team of more than 100 consultants will now benefit from the Group’s expertise to carry out their projects and thrive in their professional development.”
Mehdi Houas, President Talan Group
ALTIOS Corporate Finance Testimonial
“With this new transaction, ALTIOS Corporate Finance reaffirms its innovation and transformation consulting sector expertise. We are pleased to have facilitated this value-creating partnership for the Talan Group, which will continue its international growth in the high-value-added services segment. The close and trusted relationship with Talan’s management ensured the success of this transaction under the best possible conditions.”
Alexandre Kaplan, M&A Director and Partner, ALTIOS Corporate Finance
Advisors
Buyer’s Advisors:
- M&A: ALTIOS Corporate Finance – Alexandre Kaplan, M&A Director / Elia Laurent, M&A Analyst
- Financial: VGD – Erik Suijs, Nathalie Ponnet, Emile Penxten, Zeger Van de Wiele
- Legal: Archers – Kamal Naffi, Thomas Juillard / Tilia Law – Alain Vanderelst
Seller’s Advisors:
- Legal : Argo – Bert Van Ingelghem, Thomas Van Hoornyck
Contact Press: Alexandre Kaplan, M&A Director, a.kaplan@altios.com
