In a major development that could reshape the global digital services landscape, WNS Holdings Ltd. has received strong endorsements from two of the world’s most influential proxy advisory firms—Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis. Both firms have formally recommended that WNS shareholders vote in favor of the proposed $3.3 billion acquisition by Capgemini SE. The vote is scheduled to take place at the upcoming Court Meeting and General Meeting on August 29, 2025.
The acquisition, first announced on July 7, 2025, involves Capgemini purchasing WNS for $76.50 per share in cash. With ISS and Glass Lewis now backing the deal, momentum is building toward a decisive shareholder approval that could close the transaction before year-end.
Key Endorsements Strengthen Deal Momentum
- ISS and Glass Lewis have both issued formal recommendations urging shareholders to vote for the acquisition
- The recommendations apply to both proxy proposals to be considered at the Court Meeting and General Meeting
- Both firms cited WNS’s thorough evaluation of alternative offers and the attractive share price premium as key reasons for their support
- The WNS Board of Directors has also unanimously recommended shareholders vote in favor of the deal
- Shareholders are encouraged to submit their votes by August 27, 2025, either online or via mail
These endorsements are expected to influence institutional investors and retail shareholders alike, given the weight ISS and Glass Lewis carry in corporate governance circles.
Transaction Details And Strategic Rationale
The proposed acquisition is structured as an all-cash deal, with Capgemini offering $76.50 per WNS share:
- The total transaction value is approximately $3.3 billion, excluding WNS’s net financial debt
- Capgemini aims to strengthen its digital-led transformation capabilities by integrating WNS’s domain expertise
- WNS currently serves over 700 clients across industries and employs more than 66,000 professionals in 65 delivery centers worldwide
- The acquisition will expand Capgemini’s footprint in business process management and analytics, especially in high-growth verticals like healthcare, insurance, and travel
Capgemini’s strategic interest in WNS reflects a broader trend of consolidation in the IT and digital services sector, as firms seek scale and specialization to meet evolving client demands.
Shareholder Voting Process And Deadlines
WNS shareholders have been urged to act promptly to ensure their votes are counted:
- Forms of Proxy must be received by 2:00 p.m. London time on August 27 for the Court Meeting
- For the General Meeting, the deadline is 2:15 p.m. London time on the same day
- Shareholders may vote online or by mailing their completed proxy forms to WNS’s registered office in Jersey
- The company has emphasized that every vote matters, regardless of the number of shares held
This procedural clarity is aimed at maximizing participation and ensuring a smooth approval process.
Market Reaction And Outlook
The market has responded positively to the news, with analysts viewing the proxy endorsements as a strong signal of deal viability:
- WNS shares have remained stable, reflecting confidence in the transaction’s completion
- Capgemini’s valuation metrics, including a P/E ratio of 13.6x and a Piotroski Score of 7, suggest financial strength and strategic discipline
- The deal is expected to close before the end of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions
- Industry observers anticipate further M&A activity in the digital transformation space, especially among mid-cap players
The transaction, if approved, will mark one of the largest cross-border acquisitions in the BPM sector this year.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment For WNS And Capgemini
With ISS and Glass Lewis throwing their weight behind the Capgemini-WNS deal, the path to shareholder approval looks increasingly clear. For WNS, this acquisition represents a strategic leap into a broader global ecosystem, while Capgemini stands to gain deep domain expertise and delivery capabilities. As the August 29 vote approaches, all eyes will be on shareholders to seal the deal that could redefine digital transformation services worldwide.
Sources: Business Wire, Investing.com, FinanzNachrichten.de
