Adecco Group finalizes purchase of significant share in Akka Technologies.
The Addeco Group has completed the acquisition of a majority stake in AKKA Technologies, marking a significant step in its strategic expansion into the high-growth, technology-driven engineering services market. The new entity, Akkodis, will be a powerhouse in digital engineering and technology services, offering a broader and more integrated suite of workforce solutions tailored to digital and industrial innovation sectors.
Over the period between 18 November 2021 and 14 February 2022, The Addeco Group acquired 4.81 percent of AKKA's share capital in the market. The Ricci Family Group and SWILUX S.A. have sold 59.91 percent of AKKA Technologies shares to the Addeco Group, resulting in the Group now holding 64.72 percent of AKKA Technologies shares.
The terms of the transaction agreed to include €42 per share in cash plus €7 per share value equivalent in the Addeco Group AG new ordinary shares. The 7,927,487 profit-sharing certificates issued by AKKA Technologies have been cancelled.
Mauro Ricci and Jean-Franck Ricci will receive 1,626,772 newly created ordinary shares of the Addeco Group AG with a 24-month lock-up period. A highly experienced leadership team has been appointed, with Jan Gupta as President and Dominique Cerutti as Senior Advisor.
The acquisition results in the combination of AKKA and Modis to create a leading Smart Industry business. Modis, the Addeco Group's high-tech services business, will combine with AKKA Technologies to form a leading engineering and digital solutions business in the Smart Industry market.
Akkodis has been announced as the future global brand of the combined company. The strategic significance of this acquisition lies in creating a leading integrated provider of digital engineering and technology services, which enhances Adecco's presence in high-growth, technology-driven sectors such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and digital transformation.
Akkodis has been recognized as a leader in aerospace and defense services as well as digital consulting across Europe and the U.S., underscoring its strategic relevance in high-tech industries where innovation and digital capabilities are critical. The acquisition supports Adecco's strategy to grow in specialized, high-margin segments where demand for skilled technology professionals is strong, complementing its broader staffing and human resource services portfolio.
The integration of AKKA Technologies within Adecco’s ecosystem allows for operational efficiencies and cross-selling opportunities, with early signs such as the ongoing turnaround in Germany and steady margin improvements reported by Adecco. Adecco has been advancing AI implementations and strategic partnerships to enhance operational efficiency; incorporating AKKA Technologies' engineering expertise aligns well with this digital evolution trend.
The Addeco Group plans to launch a Mandatory Tender Offer for the remaining AKKA Technologies securities, with completion expected by end H1 2022. The acquisition is expected to be margin and EPS accretive in year one and EVA positive in year three. This move positions Adecco to expand its market share, diversify its service offerings, and capitalize on emerging demands for digital and engineering workforce solutions.
Please note that this press release does not constitute or form a part of an offer or solicitation to acquire or exchange the securities of AKKA Technologies in any jurisdiction.
The acquisition of a majority stake in AKKA Technologies by The Addeco Group significantly advances their digital transformation efforts, especially in the finance and business sectors. The newly formed Akkodis will offer a broader suite of workforce solutions tailored to digital and industrial innovation, making it a powerhouse in digital engineering and technology services.
The integration of AKKA Technologies within Adecco’s ecosystem enables operational efficiencies, cross-selling opportunities, and capitalization on emerging demands for digital and engineering workforce solutions, further strengthening Addeco's presence in high-growth, technology-driven sectors such as aerospace, defense, automotive, and digital transformation.
