RWS Acquires Obviously Group Limited

RWS Acquires Acolad (Acogroup) to Expand European AI and Language Services

August 3, 2026

AI & Machine Learning

RWS entered a binding agreement to acquire Acogroup, the parent company of Acolad, a global provider of language and content services. The deal is expected to expand RWS’s enterprise customer base across Europe and extend its AI platforms to more multilingual content customers.

Rouse Acquires The Wrays Group to Enter Australian Market

September 1, 2025

Legal Services

Rouse has completed a deal to bring The Wrays Group (Wrays), a leading independent IP specialist in Australia and New Zealand, into the Rouse network. The acquisition gives Rouse on-the-ground presence across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide and expands its life sciences, pharmaceutical and broader IP capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region.

WGSN (Apax-backed) Acquires IWSR from Bowmark Capital

June 5, 2025

Data & Analytics

WGSN, controlled by funds advised by Apax Partners LLP, has acquired IWSR, the global leader in data, analytics and insights for the beverage alcohol industry, from Bowmark Capital. The acquisition—supported by Apax following its January 2024 acquisition of WGSN—strengthens WGSN's AI, data analytics and long-range forecasting capabilities; terms were not disclosed and the deal closed in June 2025.

RWS Global Acquires Great Big Events

May 14, 2024

Media & Entertainment

RWS Global has acquired Great Big Events (GBE) and launched a new division, RWS Global Sports, to expand its live sports and entertainment production capabilities. GBE co-founder Kim Henshaw will lead the new division, and the deal includes GBE's fan engagement apps (Ultimate Fan App, Anywhere Live) and integrated software PV4; the transaction follows a strategic investment in RWS Global from Bluestone Equity Partners.

Bluestone Equity Partners Invests in RWS Global

September 18, 2023

Media & Entertainment

Bluestone Equity Partners made a minority growth equity investment in RWS Global, the world's largest provider of live shows, destinations and immersive experiences. The capital will support RWS Global's continued global expansion and scaling of its creative, production and operational capabilities; Bluestone will take two seats on the company's board.

WPP Acquires Influencer Marketing Agency Obviously

March 27, 2023

Marketing & Advertising

WPP has acquired Obviously, a technology-led social influencer marketing agency headquartered in New York. The roughly 100-person team and Obviously’s proprietary creator‑marketing platform will join WPP’s VMLY&R network to strengthen WPP’s data-driven influencer and social content capabilities globally.