Kpler Closes Spire Maritime Acquisition Amid UK Regulatory Investigation
Deal News | Apr 26, 2025 | EIN
Kpler has successfully finalized its acquisition of Spire Maritime, despite the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) opening an investigation into the merger. The acquisition agreement, completed on April 25, mandates that both companies continue operating independently during the regulatory review. Kpler's CEO, Mark Cunningham, highlighted the strategic advantage gained from the deal, particularly with enhanced real-time data capabilities for global trade analysis. Spire Global sold the business for approximately $233.5 million and additional service arrangements, using proceeds to address debt and further growth. The deal, first announced in November 2024, required navigating complex regulatory conditions and settling legal disputes between the two firms.
Sectors
- Maritime and Shipping
- Data and Analytics
- Regulatory and Compliance
- Satellite Technology
Geography
- United Kingdom – The UK's Competition and Markets Authority is involved in reviewing and ensuring compliance with the merger terms.
- Global – Kpler aims to enhance its global trade data analytics offering, indicating a broader geographic focus of the transaction.
Industry
- Maritime and Shipping – This industry is relevant to the article due to Kpler's focus on enhancing its maritime data analytics capabilities through the acquisition of Spire Maritime.
- Data and Analytics – Kpler's acquisition is aimed at strengthening its data insights offerings, marking the importance of data and analytics in this context.
- Regulatory and Compliance – Given the involvement of the UK Competition and Markets Authority and the compliance requirements set, this sector is highly pertinent to the transaction.
- Satellite Technology – Spire Global's business involves the deployment of nanosatellites, highlighting the significance of satellite technology in the article.
Financials
- $233.5 million – The deal price for the acquisition of Spire Maritime by Kpler.
- $7.5 million – Agreement for services over a twelve-month period post-acquisition.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kpler | Acquirer | Company | Kpler is a leading provider in the data and analytics sector focused on delivering insights into global trade. |
| Spire Global | Target Company | Company | Spire Global designs, builds, and deploys nanosatellites for real-time data collection, focusing on maritime, aviation, and space services. |
| UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) | Regulatory Authority | Government | The CMA is involved in the ongoing investigation and regulatory compliance demands following the acquisition. |
| Mark Cunningham | CEO | Person | CEO of Kpler, who commented on the strategic benefits of the acquisition. |