Thomson Reuters and TPG to Establish Elite as an Independent Legal Tech Company

Rhea-AI Summary

TPG has signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Elite from Thomson Reuters for approximately US$500 million. This acquisition aims to enhance Elite's capabilities in providing practice management solutions to law firms, assisting them in automating financial workflows. The partnership is expected to fuel Elite's growth by allowing it to focus on digital transformations and innovations like AI.

Thomson Reuters will retain a minority stake and board representation, continuing its strategic support. The transaction is anticipated to close in Q2 2023, pending regulatory approvals.

Positive

• TPG's acquisition valued at US$500 million indicates strong market confidence in Elite's growth potential.
• Elite's focus on digital transformation aligns with current trends in the legal industry, promoting innovation.
• Thomson Reuters retains a minority stake, providing ongoing strategic support and expertise.

Negative

• Regulatory approvals may delay the closing of the transaction, impacting immediate strategic plans.

Investment will bring resources and focus to legal financial and practice management business to enable law firms to digitally transform and thrive

Partnership will support Elite’s next phase of growth

SAN FRANCISCO & FORT WORTH, Texas & TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- TPG (NASDAQ: TPG) and Thomson Reuters (TSX/NYSE: TRI) today announced that they have signed a definitive agreement for TPG to acquire a majority stake in Elite from Thomson Reuters, valuing the business at approximately US$500 million. The Elite business provides financial and practice management solutions to the world’s leading law firms, helping customers automate and streamline critical finance and accounting workflows.

The transaction will enable Elite to operate with greater focus, providing additional resources and expertise to accelerate growth and better support its customers as they digitally transform to meet the evolving needs of their clients. Upon closing of the transaction, TPG Capital, TPG’s U.S. and European late-stage private equity business, will become the majority shareholder of the standalone business. Thomson Reuters will retain a minority ownership stake in the business and have board representation, supporting Elite strategically going forward.

“We feel strongly that the new investment from TPG, along with Thomson Reuters minority ownership and board representation, will position Elite to ensure our customers’ continued success,” said Paul Fischer, President of the Legal Professionals business of Thomson Reuters. “We remain committed to providing our expertise and experience to help grow Elite while dedicating greater focus and investment in the area of content-enabled technology, including AI and automated workflow solutions, to better enable customers in the practice of law and to perform their work more efficiently.”

“TPG has a history of investing in software companies that address the unique needs of vertical markets. We believe the legal industry is a market that is undergoing digital transformation, and Elite partners with leading firms on that journey,” said Tim Millikin, Partner at TPG. “Elite’s trusted technology, strong customer base, and significant growth potential has made the company a clear leader among the best law firms, and we look forward to working with the team to enhance and expand the platform.”

Elite offers a suite of solutions, led by its flagship offering 3E as well as ProLaw, eBillingHub, and MatterSphere, aimed at improving law firm finance and accounting operations, including billing, invoicing, payments, and financial reporting. Elite will maintain existing integrations with Thomson Reuters products.

Closing of the transaction is subject to specified regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions and is anticipated to occur in the second quarter of 2023. Baker McKenzie is serving as legal counsel to Thomson Reuters, and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is serving as legal counsel to TPG.

About Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters is a leading provider of business information services. Our products include highly specialized information-enabled software and tools for legal, tax, accounting and compliance professionals combined with the world’s most global news service – Reuters. For more information on Thomson Reuters, visit tr.com and for the latest world news, reuters.com.

About TPG

TPG is a leading global alternative asset management firm, founded in San Francisco in 1992, with $135 billion of assets under management and investment and operational teams around the world. TPG invests across five multi-strategy platforms: Capital, Growth, Impact, Real Estate, and Market Solutions and our unique strategy is driven by collaboration, innovation, and inclusion. Our teams combine deep product and sector experience with broad capabilities and expertise to develop differentiated insights and add value for our fund investors, portfolio companies, management teams, and communities. For more information, visit www.tpg.com or on Twitter @TPG.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements, Material Risks and Material Assumptions

Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking, including but not limited to the expected closing date and the strategic benefits of the proposed transaction. The words “will”, “expect”, “believe” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. While Thomson Reuters believes that it has a reasonable basis for making forward-looking statements in this news release, they are not a guarantee of future performance or outcomes and there is no assurance that any of the other events described in any forward-looking statement will materialize. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. Many of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions are beyond Thomson Reuters’ control and the effects of them can be difficult to predict. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements which reflect expectations only as of the date of this news release. Except as may be required by applicable law, Thomson Reuters disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230404005813/en/

Media

Thomson Reuters

MEDIA

Jeff McCoy

+1 763 326 4421

jeffrey.mccoy@tr.com

INVESTORS

Gary E. Bisbee, CFA

Head of Investor Relations

+1 646 540 3249

gary.bisbee@tr.com

TPG

Leslie Shribman and Courtney Power

media@tpg.com

Source: TPG and Thomson Reuters

FAQ

What is TPG's acquisition deal with Thomson Reuters regarding Elite?

TPG will acquire a majority stake in Elite from Thomson Reuters for approximately US$500 million, enhancing Elite's practice management solutions.

How will TPG's acquisition of Elite impact the legal industry?

The acquisition aims to support law firms in digital transformation, providing enhanced financial management solutions.

When is the expected closing date for TPG's acquisition of Elite?

The transaction is anticipated to close in the second quarter of 2023, subject to regulatory approvals.

What key benefits will Elite gain from TPG’s investment?

Elite will gain additional resources and expertise, enabling it to better support its customers in digital transformations.

What regulatory challenges might TPG face in acquiring Elite?

The acquisition is subject to specified regulatory approvals, which could cause delays before the deal is finalized.