Advised WDS, a leading provider of knowledge management solutions to wireless telecom providers, on its proposed sale to Xerox 
– WDS is the mobile industry’s leading provider of specialist solutions dedicated to optimising the mobile end-user experience
– WDS uses GlobalMineTM, a proprietary cloud-based platform, to help clients adjust, in real-time, any systemic issues and/or customer experience problems that their end-users may be experiencing with their devices or service
– WDS has over 100 customers globally, including most of the world’s largest handset manufacturers and mobile operators, and is headquartered in Poole, England
– Xerox is the world’s leading enterprise for document technology and services, also offering claims reimbursement, automated toll transaction and HR benefits management
– ACS, acquired in 2010, enables Xerox to provide extensive business process outsourcing and IT outsourcing services, including data processing, HR benefits and customer relationship management
– Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Xerox operates in
160 countries with 140,000 employees and revenues of $22.6bn in 2011
– With slowing subscriber growth, smartphone proliferation and exponential mobile data growth, it has become increasingly critical for players in the mobile market (including mobile operators, handset manufacturers, and mobile retailers) to retain customer loyalty to their brand
– WDS uses GlobalMineTM, a proprietary cloud-based knowledge management platform, to capture, analyse and manage millions of technical support interactions across thousands of different mobile device types, and leverages this insight to deliver solutions that enable mobile operators and OEMs to enhance the end-user’s experience and reduce churn
– WDS’ expertise enables Xerox/ACS to strengthen its offering in Customer Experience Management for the mobile industry
– Arma Partners was engaged by WDS shareholders to evaluate the company’s strategic options and manage the sale process with a view to maximise shareholder value
– Arma contacted its extensive network of potential strategic partners and financial sponsors, including important North American strategic buyers, to explore value-enhancing transactions
– Arma actively supported the management to articulate WDS’s growth strategy and financial plan, and once the buyer had been identified, Arma led the contract negotiations and helped drive the process to successful completion
– The transaction illustrates Arma’s excellence in transaction execution, dominance in cross-border Technology M&A and strong track record in Big Data Analytics specifically