Equiteq advises Economists Incorporated on sale to Secretariat
Equiteq has helped US-based Economists Incorporated with its sale to a strategic partner. Global expert services and litigation consulting firm Secretariat has added more than 50 professionals via the deal.
Founded in 1981, Economists Incorporated is a consulting firm specialising in microeconomics, law and economics, public policy, and business strategy. Based in Washington, DC, it has been engaged in many of the highest litigation matters and economic consulting assignments of the last four decades. The firms’ experts are regularly engaged by AmLaw 200 law firms, global corporations in almost every sector, government agencies and trade associations.
With such a prestigious reputation, Economists Incorporated’s team of more than 50 experts attracted the attention of Secretariat – a global independent expert services and litigation consulting firm. Secretariat is currently expanding its offerings with the creation of a new economic analysis, analytics and strategy practice – a continuing diversification which the addition of Economists Incorporated will assist with greatly.
Secretariat Managing Director Don Harvey said, “The depth of expertise and quality the Economists Incorporated team brings is second to none. And, perhaps most importantly, when we had a chance to look closely and see how our teams would work together, the similarities in culture and shared values became obvious.”
Headquartered in Atlanta, Secretariat serves a range of international clients, specialising in international arbitration and litigation; economic damages; valuations; forensic accounting; government contracting; and large-scale construction disputes with a focus on delay and quantum analysis. It has offices in North America, Europe, Australia, Asia and the Middle East. The deal closed in July, with this international presence being a key driver, as Economists Incorporated looked at ways to elevate its service capabilities, expand its international reach and accelerate recruitment efforts.
Economists Incorporated President and CEO Jonathan Walker commented, “The benefits of bringing Secretariat’s and EI’s services together became evident right from the start of our conversations. The combination will open new doors for EI professionals in areas like international arbitration and it will bolster Secretariat’s presence in the domestic US litigation market.”
M&A advisory firm Equiteq acted as sole financial advisor to Economists Incorporated throughout the sale. Regarding Equiteq’s role in the transaction, Walker added that the firm’s bespoke approach to M&A differentiated it against a range of other well-regarded investment banks. He also praised Equiteq for guiding the firm through the complexities of the transaction process, and presenting a range of strategic options at each stage.
Adam Tindall, Managing Director at Equiteq added, “It has been a privilege to have advised the Economists Inc team on this transaction with Secretariat. We recognised very early on in our relationship that EI’s long heritage, stellar reputation, high-calibre personnel, and strong culture set the business apart as a rare and valuable asset. We wish the combined team great and long-lasting success.”
Focusing on helping owners in the professional services industry fulfil their M&A goals, Equiteq is a corporate finance advisory firm with offices in New York, London, Paris, Singapore and Sydney. The company provides strategic advice on growth and shareholder returns, and helps clients with their acquisitions, mergers and divestments.
