BDA advises The Smart Cube on sale to WNS

BDA Partners is pleased to announce that its client The Smart Cube has been acquired by WNS Holdings Ltd (NYSE: WNS). The Smart Cube is a leading, platform-driven research & analytics (R&A) solutions provider focused on procurement, supply chain, sales and marketing functions. It serves Fortune 500 companies. WNS has acquired The Smart Cube for a total consideration of US$125m.

BDA Partners and William Blair acted as exclusive investment banking advisors to The Smart Cube and its shareholders.

The Smart Cube provides digitally-led market intelligence and analytics. The company’s offerings span: procurement and supply chain; commercial sales and marketing; digital and analytics; and strategy and investment research. The Smart Cube leverages its proprietary digital AI knowledge management platform, “Amplifi Pro”, to help clients drive improved procurement, intelligence and insight-based decision-making. The company has 800 global employees led by a seasoned team with CXO-level relationships, and 600 talented R&A specialists, 2/3 of whom hold a Master’s degree.

The Smart Cube is complementary to WNS’ existing offerings and will strengthen WNS’ capabilities in high-end procurement and advanced analytics. The Smart Cube brings strong front-end advisory capabilities and a European footprint to the WNS portfolio. 

Gautam Singh, Co-Founder and CEO, The Smart Cube, said: “The Smart Cube is proud to become part of WNS, an industry leader in global Business Process Management. Both of our firms share a common philosophy of partnering and growing with clients, and believe our businesses continue to have huge growth opportunities ahead. We could not have made this deal happen without the dedication and focus of the BDA – William Blair team.”

Omer Abdullah, Co-Founder, The Smart Cube, added: “We’re excited for the next phase of our growth with WNS. The BDA – William Blair team demonstrated deep knowledge of our sector with the right global relationships which allowed us to find the perfect partner and to accomplish a great outcome for The Smart Cube’s people as well as our shareholders.”

Jonathan Lerner, Partner, Smedvig Capital, said: “It’s been a great experience for Smedvig to be a part of The Smart Cube’s exceptional growth journey. WNS is an excellent partner to take the company to the next level. I would like to thank the BDA – William Blair team for their invaluable guidance throughout the process.”

Jeff Acton, Head of Technology, BDA, said: “We’re delighted to have advised The Smart Cube on its successful sale to WNS. We expect strong deal momentum in this space given the accelerated growth and convergence of functional analytics with digital transformation. We remain the preferred go-to-banker for analytics and digital transformation assets.”

Manoj Balwani, Head of Technology, India, BDA, added: “Digitally-led market intelligence and analytics have become vital for enterprises, for real-time insights and decision making. The Smart Cube leads with its unique “Artificial Intelligence + Human Intelligence (AI+HI)” platform led solutions. We’re happy to have worked on this landmark deal. It solidifies BDA’s position in the AI and Analytics market.”

Jonathan Aiken, Head of London, BDA, added: “This transaction reflects our ability to manage cross-border transactions and to leverage sector teams in the USA, Europe and India. BDA is well positioned to advise companies with a nexus in India in these fast-growing segments.”​​​​