Korn Ferry Acquires AMS for Approximately $1.1B
Korn Ferry announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire UK-headquartered AMS, which will create a global leader in talent and organizational consulting. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, Korn Ferry has agreed to acquire AMS for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.1B, consisting of (i) approximately $881M in cash and (ii) approximately $255M in Korn Ferry common stock. Korn Ferry expects to fund the cash portion of the transaction consideration with approximately $300M of cash on hand and the remaining approximately $581M of cash consideration with borrowings under Korn Ferry's existing revolver. Additionally, Korn Ferry will issue approximately 3.6M shares, subject to a 15% collar at the closing. On a current annual run-rate basis, AMS is generating approximately $650M of Fee Revenue and $100M of Adjusted EBITDA. Assuming no adverse change in the economic environment, Korn Ferry estimates that the run-rate Adjusted EBITDA3 contribution within a year following the closing of the acquisition will be approximately $140M. The consummation of the transaction is subject to receipt of regulatory clearances and is expected to close in Korn Ferry's 2nd fiscal quarter of FY'27. The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings per share in the first full year after adjusting for restructuring and integration and transaction costs. AMS's long-term contracts will add more than $1.5B in estimated fees remaining under existing contracts, providing greater revenue visibility and enhancing the company's ability to provide scalable, data-driven talent strategies across geographies and industries.
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- Acquisition Overview: Korn Ferry has entered into an agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire AMS, a UK talent acquisition and consulting firm, for £850 million, comprising approximately £659 million in cash and £191 million in KFY shares, indicating Korn Ferry's strategic intent to expand in the global talent market.
- Funding Structure: Korn Ferry plans to finance the cash portion of approximately $881 million with around $300 million in cash on hand and about $581 million through debt, demonstrating the company's flexibility in capital management and confidence in future earnings, while also issuing approximately 3.6 million shares to support the transaction.
- Earnings Expectations: The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of fiscal 2027, with Korn Ferry anticipating immediate accretion to earnings per share in the first full year post-transaction, reflecting strong confidence in the profitability post-integration and restructuring.
- AMS Market Position: Founded in 1996, AMS operates in over 120 countries with a strong presence in Europe and Asia, and Korn Ferry's acquisition is poised to enhance its competitive edge in the global talent consulting sector.
- Acquisition Overview: Korn Ferry has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire UK-based AMS for approximately £850M ($1.1B), combining Korn Ferry's organizational consulting and AMS's leading Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) capabilities, which is expected to significantly enhance market competitiveness.
- Financial Structure Analysis: The total purchase price includes approximately £659M ($881M) funded through $300M in cash and $581M drawn from a revolving credit facility, with an additional £191M ($255M) paid in Korn Ferry common stock, involving roughly 3.6M shares subject to a 15% collar at closing.
- Performance Expectations: AMS currently generates an annual run-rate fee revenue of approximately $650M and $100M in Adjusted EBITDA, with Korn Ferry anticipating that the post-acquisition Adjusted EBITDA contribution will scale to roughly $140M within the first year, indicating strong profit growth potential.
- Enhanced Long-term Revenue Visibility: AMS injects over $1.5B in contract backlog fees into the combined entity, significantly increasing long-term revenue visibility, while Korn Ferry's shares rose 3.3% in pre-market trading following the acquisition announcement, reflecting positive market sentiment towards the deal.
- Investor Call Announcement: Korn Ferry will host an investor call today at 8:30 a.m. EDT to discuss the acquisition of AMS, aiming to provide investors with detailed insights and future strategies regarding the acquisition.
- Webcast Accessibility: The conference call will be accessible via live webcast, allowing investors to participate through the company's Investor Relations page, ensuring broad engagement and transparency.
- Replay Availability: A replay of the call will be available after 10:30 a.m. EDT on June 29, 2026, until 10:30 a.m. EDT on July 29, 2026, enabling investors who cannot attend live to access the information.
- Company Overview: Korn Ferry is a global consulting firm focused on enhancing organizational performance by synchronizing strategy, operations, and talent, showcasing its influence and leadership across various industries.
- Acquisition Overview: Korn Ferry has entered into a definitive agreement with OMERS Private Equity to acquire AMS for approximately £850 million (about $1.1 billion), combining the strengths of both firms in talent and organizational consulting, with an expected closing in the second fiscal quarter of FY'27.
- Financial Impact Analysis: The acquisition is projected to contribute approximately $140 million in run-rate Adjusted EBITDA within a year, while AMS's long-term contracts will add over $1.5 billion in estimated fees, enhancing Korn Ferry's competitive edge in the global market.
- Strategic Integration Benefits: By merging Korn Ferry's expertise in Search, Talent & Organizational Solutions, and Workforce Solutions with AMS's strengths in Recruitment Process Outsourcing and Campus Recruiting, the combined entity will enhance client service capabilities and drive business growth.
- Leadership Continuity and Cultural Alignment: AMS founder Rosaleen Blair will continue as Chair, ensuring cultural and value alignment, while Korn Ferry's CEO Gary D. Burnison emphasizes that people are the key to organizational success, and the merger will create new opportunities for clients.
- Strong Financial Performance: Korn Ferry reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.40 for the fourth quarter, exceeding the Zacks consensus estimate of $1.37, while revenues rose 6.7% year-over-year to $759.8 million, indicating sustained growth despite uneven macro conditions.
- Strategic Transformation: The company plans to shift to regional reporting starting in Q1 FY2027, consolidating its operations into three segments: Americas, EMEA, and APAC, aiming to enhance market penetration and competitiveness through tighter client relationships and cross-regional sales.
- Cross-Selling Success: The business referral rate reached 29.1% in the fourth quarter, up 320 basis points year-over-year, demonstrating significant progress in cross-selling efforts, particularly with Marquee and Diamond accounts contributing 40% of revenue.
- Disciplined Capital Allocation: Korn Ferry repurchased 1.24 million shares for $78.8 million in the quarter and returned $221 million to shareholders through buybacks and dividends in FY2026, reflecting a cautious and strategic approach to capital management.
- Revenue Growth: Korn Ferry reported $2.9 billion in fee revenue for the full year, up 7%, indicating robust market performance that is likely to bolster investor confidence moving forward.
- Shareholder Returns: The company returned $221 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends in fiscal 2026, demonstrating strong cash flow and a commitment to enhancing shareholder value.
- Business Growth: Professional search and interim fee revenue increased by 14% in Q4, reflecting the company's success in high-demand sectors, particularly in technology and finance.
- Future Outlook: The Q1 FY27 fee revenue is projected to be between $725 million and $745 million, showcasing the company's confidence in future growth despite geopolitical challenges.







