BrazilGlobal consultancy dss+ lands new investment for ‘next growth phase’
Global consulting firm dss+ has roped in a new investor with the aim to drive its “next phase of growth”.
The deal sees UK investor Inflexion acquire a majority stake in dss+, with the 60% cut valuing dss+ at around $500 million. Fellow investor Gyrus, which backed dss+’s carve-out from DuPont in 2019 and growth as an independent firm, retains a significant minority in the firm, together with dss+ management team members.
“We welcome Inflexion as our majority partner. This will help us expand our footprint, develop new solutions and add additional talent – all with the purpose to help our clients transform, save lives and create a sustainable future,” said Davide Vassallo, the chief executive of the Swiss-headquartered consultancy.
Founded in 1968 as the consulting arm of DuPont, dss+ was carved out in 2019 as DuPont Sustainable Solutions in a management buy-out. As an independent firm, dss+ grew its headcount to over 1,000 staff and footprint to 35+ offices worldwide.
During this period, dss+ also closed a number of acquisitions aimed at expanding its portfolio of services, including KKS Advisors (US), Lodestone Partners (Canada), Sofies (Switzerland), and Perfect Food Consulting (Italy).
“We are very proud to have partnered with the dss+ management team in their carve out from DuPont and the first stage of their growth path as an independent firm,” said Guy Semmens, managing partner at Gyrus Capital. “We are delighted to be able to remain investors and continue that partnership in its next phase. We are confident Inflexion will bring additional support and resources to dss+ during their next growth phase.”
With the added financial muscle injected by Inflexion, dss+ will seek to “enhance its offering both organically and through acquisitions, which will benefit our clients worldwide,” said ,” said Vassallo. The firm will also be able provide its employees with “new career and capability building opportunities,” he added.
“We recognise the immense opportunity that lies ahead for dss+ owing to our experience in building other businesses in the sector (companies Inflexion helped build include Alcumus and FDM). “The commitment of the dss+ management to building the business and establishing it as a successful standalone entity makes them well placed to grow further,” said Flor Kassai, a leader at Inflexion.
Recognised by Verdantix as the world’s leading environment, health & safety consultant, dss+ last year also listed in Consultancy.org’s annual top consulting firms benchmark, taking home leading positions across the operations and sustainability service areas in multiple markets.
