DLA Piper advises Times Higher Education on acquisition of The Knowledge Partnership

DLA Piper has advised Times Higher Education (THE) on the acquisition of higher education consultancy The Knowledge Partnership (TKP), continuing its transformation into a global data business.

TKP provides strategy, marketing and communications consultancy around the world, and is the founder of the World 100 Reputation Network, a professional network for experts managing the reputations of leading global universities.

TKP, founded in 2004 by David Roberts, former chief executive of the Higher Education Information Services Trust (Heist) marketing agency, and Louise Simpson, ex-director of communications at the University of Cambridge, will continue to operate independently under its current name.

The deal complements THE’s existing in-house consultancy service and comes after THE became a stand-alone business for the first time in March 2019 following its acquisition by private equity firm Inflexion.

The DLA Piper Sheffield-based Corporate team was led by partner Richard May, assisted by senior associate Sarah Riley and associate Conor Boyle.

Commenting, DLA Piper’s partner Richard May said: “We are delighted to have advised THE on this strategic acquisition. Despite the difficulties of the pandemic, THE continues to experience rapid organic growth and this acquisition will help strengthen its position in the market, enabling the provision of ever deeper insights for universities across the globe.”