NEW YORK, Jan. 17, 2023 – S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) today announced that it has entered into an agreement to sell its Engineering Solutions business to investment funds managed by KKR, a leading global investment firm and a longstanding customer of S&P Global, for $975 million in cash, subject to customary purchase price adjustments.
S&P Global currently anticipates the divestiture to result in after-tax proceeds of approximately $750 million, which proceeds are expected to be used to fund share repurchases. The agreement follows S&P Global’s announced intent in November 2022 to divest the business.
“Today’s announcement marks the next exciting step towards executing our strategy of powering global markets,” said Douglas L. Peterson, President and Chief Executive Officer of S&P Global. “The divestiture of Engineering Solutions to KKR allows us to further focus on driving growth in our core businesses. Engineering Solutions is a strong business, and we believe it will continue to thrive under KKR’s direction.”
Engineering Solutions provides data, technology, and insights that allow over 6,000 global customers and 650,000 users to optimize workflows and end-user experiences. Its products enable engineers, builders, and architects in many industries to access the data and insights they need to deliver complex projects and new products.
“We see significant opportunities for Engineering Solutions to accelerate growth, expand its footprint and continue to innovate as an independent company,” said Webster Chua, Partner at KKR. “Engineering Solutions is trusted by engineers and standards organizations around the world and we look forward to deepening these relationships by making long-term investments in enhanced product coverage, improved workflow solutions and expanded distribution capabilities.”
KKR is making the investment through its North America Fund XIII.
Engineering Solutions became part of S&P Global following the company’s merger with IHS Markit early last year. The transaction, which is subject to receipt of required regulatory approvals and satisfying other customary closing conditions, is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of 2023.
About S&P Global
S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses and individuals with the right data, expertise and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges and accelerate progress for the world.
We are widely sought after by many of the world’s leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world’s leading organizations plan for tomorrow, today.
About KKR
KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co.
Advisors
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as financial advisor to S&P Global, and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as legal counsel. RBC Capital Markets is serving as a financial advisor to KKR, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is serving as legal counsel.
