Korn Ferry (NYSE: KFY) has completed its acquisition of UK-headquartered AMS from OMERS Private Equity. The transaction combines the two firms into a single entity focused on talent and organizational consulting.

The combined organization now employs nearly 17,000 colleagues across more than 130 offices globally. This integration aims to create a global leader in the sector by merging complementary strengths and expanding industry coverage.

Transaction Details

Under the lock-box structure of the agreement, Korn Ferry settled the consideration through a mix of cash and equity. The company paid approximately £473 million and $326 million in cash. These funds served as consideration to sellers, repayment of AMS’s indebtedness, and satisfaction of other transaction obligations.

Additionally, Korn Ferry issued 3,118,628 shares of common stock to the sellers as part of the closing terms.

Strategic Rationale

AMS brings operational capability and technology-enabled talent solutions to the combined firm. The source notes that AMS is supported by long-term contracted client relationships. Korn Ferry states that the combination is driven by a shared belief that people are the catalyst for organizational success.

The firm highlighted that it offers one of the most comprehensive organizational and talent solutions portfolios in the world. This includes expanded capabilities in delivering technology-enabled solutions at scale.

What the Numbers Show

The acquisition structure reveals a significant capital commitment through both cash outlay and equity dilution. The cash component of £473 million and $326 million was allocated not just to sellers but also to repay AMS’s existing indebtedness. This indicates that a portion of the purchase price effectively serviced legacy debt rather than flowing entirely to equity holders.

Corporate Profile

Korn Ferry describes itself as a global consulting firm that powers performance by synchronizing strategy, operations, and talent. The company serves forward-thinking companies across major industries. It is also the Official Talent & Organizational Consulting Partner of LA28, supporting the nearly 5,000 people powering the Olympic Games.

Korn Ferry has been named a Global Leader in Everest Group's Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2026, with recognition across the U.S., UK, and India assessments. The designation highlights the firm's strength in key markets and its continued investment in workforce solutions, consulting expertise, and technology. The assessment analyzed the performance of more than 50 service providers, evaluating RPO capabilities across market adoption, portfolio mix, value delivered, scope of services offered, innovation and investments, delivery footprint, and vision and strategy.

The report recognizes Korn Ferry for its industry-leading approach to workforce solutions, specifically client strategy, global delivery capabilities, and continued investment in technology. A key investment cited is Korn Ferry Nimble Recruit, a Talent Suite-enabled recruitment platform that helps organizations attract, engage, and hire talent through AI-powered workflows and analytics. The assessment also highlights the firm's ability to integrate recruitment process outsourcing with broader organizational, workforce, leadership, and talent advisory services.

"We’re pleased to be recognized by Everest Group for our continued leadership in RPO," said Jeanne MacDonald, CEO of Recruitment Process Outsourcing at Korn Ferry. "As organizations navigate hiring volatility, skills disruption and AI-driven change, Korn Ferry is helping clients connect recruiting with broader workforce strategy to make smarter talent decisions and build more agile workforces."

Everest Group noted that Korn Ferry offers a strong consulting-integrated RPO solution, supported by a global delivery footprint and deep expertise in hiring for a wide range of roles across key industries. The firm's investments in Flexible Recruitment Services, Korn Ferry Nimble Recruit, advanced analytics and market intelligence, and skills advisory capabilities have helped it create an impactful value proposition for its core buyers. This has enabled Korn Ferry to retain its position as a Leader in the Global RPO Services PEAK Matrix Assessment 2026.

Assessment Methodology

For the RPO Services PEAK Matrix Assessment, Everest Group analyzed approximately 7,000 multi-process RPO deals in addition to third-party RPO deals. The report divides RPO providers into three main categories: Leaders, Major Contenders, and Aspirants. The evaluation criteria focus on the providers' ability to deliver value and innovate in the RPO market.