Clio Acquires vLex in $1 Billion Deal for AI-Powered Legal Tech
Deal News | Jun 30, 2025 | PR Newswire Cision Clio
Clio, a leading provider of legal technology, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire vLex, a pioneer in legal intelligence, for $1 billion. This acquisition marks a significant development in the legal technology industry, combining Clio's comprehensive legal operating platform with vLex's AI-powered research capabilities. The deal, to be finalized later this year, is structured with a combination of cash and stock. It represents Clio's largest acquisition to date and is positioned as a transformative force in legal tech, leveraging vLex's global database and AI technology to innovate legal practice and management. This move further expands Clio's global reach and enhances its ability to deliver comprehensive legal services. The convergence of Clio's and vLex's platforms aims to create a new category of intelligent legal technology that connects the business and practice of law, setting new industry standards. Financial advisement for the deal involved Goldman Sachs for Clio and J.P. Morgan for vLex, with legal advisement from several top law firms.
Sectors
- Legal Technology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Mergers and Acquisitions
Geography
- Canada – Clio, which is headquartered in Vancouver, BC, is the acquiring company in this transaction.
- Spain – vLex, the company being acquired by Clio, was founded in Barcelona, Spain, and represents a significant player in European legal intelligence.
Industry
- Legal Technology – The article focuses on a transaction in the legal technology sector, where Clio is acquiring vLex to enhance its AI capabilities and global reach in providing legal services.
- Artificial Intelligence – The acquisition involves the integration of AI, specifically vLex's AI-powered research tools like Vincent, which are central to the strategic objectives of both companies.
- Mergers and Acquisitions – The article discusses a significant acquisition where Clio is acquiring vLex, illustrating substantial M&A activity within the legal technology industry.
Financials
- US$1 billion – The total transaction value for Clio's acquisition of vLex, paid in a combination of cash and stock.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clio | Acquirer | Company | Clio is a leading provider of legal technology and the acquiring party in this $1 billion transaction. |
| vLex | Target Company | Company | vLex is a pioneer in legal intelligence and AI research, being acquired by Clio. |
| Goldman Sachs | Financial Advisor to Clio | Company | Goldman Sachs provided exclusive financial advisory services to Clio in the acquisition. |
| J.P. Morgan | Financial Advisor to vLex | Company | J.P. Morgan acted as the exclusive financial advisor to vLex. |
| Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP | Legal Advisor to Clio | Company | Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP served as legal counsel to Clio. |
| Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati | Legal Advisor to Clio | Company | Provided legal advisory services to Clio. |
| Gowling WLG | Legal Advisor to Clio | Company | Provided legal advisory services to Clio. |
| A&O Shearman | Legal Advisor to vLex | Company | A&O Shearman served as legal advisors to vLex. |
| Uría Menéndez | Legal Advisor to vLex | Company | Provided legal advisory services to vLex. |
| Jack Newton | CEO and Founder of Clio | Person | Commented on the significance of the acquisition. |
| Lluís Faus | CEO and Co-Founder of vLex | Person | Expressed vision for the future following the acquisition. |