Warburg Pincus is said to near acquisition of Asian firm Acclime

[HONG KONG] Warburg Pincus is nearing a deal to acquire Asia-focused corporate services firm Acclime, sources said.

Warburg Pincus is the likeliest buyer after beating rival private equity firms, they said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. They added that the transaction may value Acclime at US$950 million to US$1 billion.

Still, talks are ongoing, and no final decisions have been made, they noted, adding that other bidders remain interested. A representative for Warburg Pincus declined to comment, while Acclime did not respond to a request seeking comment.

Bloomberg News reported in October that Carlyle Group, Blackstone, KKR and TPG were also among the private equity firms bidding for Acclime.

Acclime’s services include market entry consulting, accounting, tax, governance and human resources, based on its website. The company, which operates in about 18 markets, was co-founded by Martin Crawford, a former chief executive officer at bigger rival Vistra.

EQT merged Tricor Group and Vistra in 2023 in a US$6.5 billion deal.

Acclime bought accounting and advisory practice Crowe Singapore for an undisclosed sum in October, as well as Australia’s Boutique Capital earlier in the year. BLOOMBERG