Law Business Research Merges with ALM to Form Global Legal Intelligence Leader
Deal News | Apr 04, 2025 | Ropes & Gray
In a strategic maneuver, Law Business Research (LBR), supported by Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) and Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, has merged with ALM, a company owned by funds managed by EagleTree Capital. This merger aims to create a leading global provider of legal intelligence by combining ALM’s dominance in the US market with LBR’s strong foothold in the UK and internationally. Both companies will maintain their existing offerings in legal practice and business solutions, while leveraging combined strengths to enhance insights across global IP, governance, risk, and compliance markets. The combined entity will employ over 900 individuals across key cities, including New York, London, and Hong Kong. The legal advisory for this deal was managed by Ropes & Gray, led by private equity partners Helen Croke and Jessica Murray, with comprehensive support from various specialized teams within the firm.
Sectors
- Legal Services Industry
- Private Equity and Investment Management
Geography
- United States – ALM has a strong presence in the US market, and their headquarters and several offices are located in major US cities.
- United Kingdom – LBR has a strong presence in the UK, which is a significant market for their legal intelligence offerings. Ropes & Gray, a part of the advisory team, also operates in the UK.
Industry
- Legal Services Industry – The merger between LBR and ALM focuses on providing legal intelligence, analysis, and networking solutions to legal professionals globally.
- Private Equity and Investment Management – ICG, Levine Leichtman Capital Partners, and EagleTree Capital are all investment management firms involved in financing and supporting the merger.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law Business Research (LBR) | Target Company | Company | A global provider of legal intelligence and analysis, backed by ICG and LLCP. |
| ALM | Bidding Company | Company | A provider of specialized business news and information, owned by funds managed by EagleTree Capital. |
| Intermediate Capital Group (ICG) | Private Equity Investor | Company | An investor in Law Business Research, providing support for the merger. |
| EagleTree Capital | Private Equity Investor | Company | The managing investment firm of ALM, facilitating the merger. |
| Levine Leichtman Capital Partners (LLCP) | Investor | Company | A private equity firm supporting LBR as one of its backers. |
| Ropes & Gray | Legal Advisor | Company | A law firm that advised on the merger, with leadership from private equity partners. |