IMAP is pleased to announce that Degroof Petercam - IMAP Belgium has acted as exclusive financial adviser to Emakina Group (“Emakina”) on the public takeover bid process of its shares by EPAM.

Emakina is one of the leading groups of independent digital agencies, with 26 offices across 18 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America.

Since 1993, EPAM Systems, Inc. (NYSE: EPAM) has leveraged its advanced software engineering heritage to become the foremost global digital transformation services provider - leading the industry in digital and physical product development and digital platform engineering services.

On 13 October 2021, EPAM launched a voluntary and conditional public takeover bid on all the 3,893,353 shares issued by Emakina at an offer price of €29.66 per share. The bid was subject to normal conditions, including a minimum 95% acceptance rate and absence of elements significantly impacting Emakina’s EBIT. The acceptance period lasted from 15-29 October 2021.

On 3 November 2021, EPAM acquired 98.69% of Emakina’s shares, enabling the execution of a simplified squeeze-out and a subsequent delisting of Emakina due to take place on 30 November 2021.

This transaction, led by Olivier De Vos, underlines once again Degroof Petercam’s expertise in assisting companies in public takeover transactions, as well as its extensive expertise advising in the Business Services and Technology sectors.