Robert Ambrogi Blog
Epiq announced today the sale of its Global Business Transformation Solutions (GBTS) division to K2 Services, a managed services provider. The transaction positions Epiq to concentrate more intensively on technology-enabled legal solutions while significantly expanding K2’s operational footprint in the professional services sector.
The deal is part of a broader strategic move by K2 Services, which simultaneously acquired outsourcing and staffing company Forrest Solutions in a dual acquisition backed by majority investment from Renovus Capital Partners, a private equity firm managing over $2 billion in assets.
The three organizations now form a combined entity with more than 4,500 professionals delivering front, middle and back-office managed services across on-site, off-site and offshore capabilities.
Epiq’s Strategic Pivot
For Epiq, the divestiture represents a strategic shift toward its core competency in legal technology and services. David Dobson, CEO of Epiq, framed the move as part of the company’s commitment to technological innovation.
“At Epiq, we made a commitment to our clients to never leave them behind when it comes to technology and its application,” Dobson said. “The sale of Epiq GBTS is a strategic shift as we continue to focus on innovation, expanding our technology portfolio, and delivering even greater impact to our clients across the legal ecosystem.”
The New York-based company, which employs approximately 3,800 people across 17 countries, describes itself as the most advanced alternative legal service provider in the market.
With the sale, Epiq will concentrate on services-enabled technology, including proprietary AI solutions and SaaS offerings that advance its mission as a tech-enabled legal solutions provider. The company plays a critical role in administering complex legal settlements and helping clients transform how legal outcomes are delivered.
Epiq GBTS had partnered with organizations to deliver strategic expertise in operational and business services, helping clients streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and refocus resources on core business priorities. The division provided outsourcing of key business services across front, middle, and back-office functions, delivering benefits including increased scalability, centralized operations, improved cost-effectiveness, and standardized service delivery.
K2’s Expansion Strategy
For K2 Services, the acquisitions mark an expansion from its roots as an IT managed services provider for the legal industry into a comprehensive managed services company. The Chicago-based company had specialized in IT hosting, consulting services, 24/7 help desk, network and security operations, and enterprise application platforms.
“These acquisitions mark a major leap forward in our long-term road map — dramatically expanding our capacity to deliver integrated, people-driven and technology-powered solutions for our clients’ back, middle and front office operations,” said Christopher Petrini-Poli, executive chairman at K2 Services. “Client demand is driving this momentum. We’re redesigning, implementing and operating these support functions on our workflow automation platforms, freeing our clients to focus on increasing revenue.”
Nicholas Quil, vice chairman at K2 Services, emphasized the comprehensive nature of the expanded portfolio: “Our newly formed comprehensive portfolio empowers us to deliver true end-to-end managed services, enabling us to develop forward-looking strategies with our clients.”
New Leadership for K2
To lead the combined organization, K2 Services appointed Michelle Deichmeister as chief executive officer. Deichmeister previously served as president of Epiq GBTS and brings more than 35 years of experience leading transformation initiatives across multiple industries. Her expertise includes scaling global operations for Fortune 500 companies, Am Law 200 firms and top financial institutions.
“With this evolution, we are now unmistakably positioned as the premier managed services provider — delivering transformative impact across industries,” Deichmeister said. “By fusing deep strategic expertise, key talent and technology-enabled managed services, we’re reshaping the future of enterprise performance for our clients.”
Deichmeister emphasized that the new entity will function not merely as a managed services provider but as an operational architect working with clients to design, implement, and manage their operations.
“This newly formed business will be more than a managed services provider — we’re strategically helping our clients architect the operational backbone of their business,” she added.
Addressing A Market Gap
K2’s acquisitions were supported by Renovus Capital Partners, a lower middle market private equity firm based in the Philadelphia area that specializes in the knowledge and talent industries. Founded in 2010, Renovus manages over $2 billion across its sector-focused funds and maintains a current portfolio of more than 30 U.S.-based businesses specializing in education and training, health care services, technology services and professional services.
Lee Minkoff, managing director at Renovus Capital, said in a statement that the investment addresses a market gap: “We are filling a gap in the industry by providing streamlined business and technology services that will allow clients to focus on their core revenue-generating operations and grow more profitably. We’re excited to partner with K2 Services to bring together this level of expertise to help clients modernize and strengthen their operational and technology infrastructure.”