MSCI Inc

5. ACQUISITIONS

On October 2, 2023, the Company acquired the remaining 66.4% interest in Burgiss for $696.8 million in cash (the “step acquisition”). The Company’s existing 33.6% interest in Burgiss had a fair value at acquisition date of $353.2 million which resulted in a non-taxable gain of $143.0 million which the Company recognized during the three months ended December 31, 2023. The acquisition of Burgiss provides the Company with comprehensive data and deep expertise in private assets, enabling investors to evaluate fundamental information, measure and compare performance, understand exposures, manage risk, and conduct robust analytics.

The step acquisition has been accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting and its results are reported within the Private Capital Solutions operating segment within All Other – Private Assets. With the step acquisition, the Company renamed the Burgiss operating segment to Private Capital Solutions. Prior to the step acquisition, Burgiss was accounted for as an equity-method investment. Therefore, MSCI did not recognize the proportionate share of Burgiss’ operating revenues, rather, the Company’s proportionate share of the income or loss of Burgiss was reported as a component of other (expense) income, net. A portion of Burgiss’s client agreements do not have automatic renewal clauses at the end of the subscription period. Due to the historically high retention rate, the expectation that a substantial portion of the client agreements will be renewed and the nature of the subscription service, the associated revenue is recorded as recurring subscription revenue.

The table below represents the final purchase price allocation to total assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective estimated fair values as of October 2, 2023 and the associated estimated useful lives of acquired intangibles as of that date.

The Company, with the assistance of third-party valuation experts, calculated the fair values of intangible assets using the relief from royalty method for proprietary data, acquired technology and software and trademarks and the multi-period excess earnings method for customer relationships. The significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the acquired intangible assets included forecasted cash flows, which were determined based on certain assumptions that included, among others, projected future revenues, and expected market royalty rates, technology obsolescence rates and discount rates. The weighted average amortization period of the acquired intangible assets was 14.8 years.

The recorded goodwill is primarily attributable to the utilization of the acquired data as well as expanded market opportunities. Goodwill attributable to the acquisition is deductible for federal income tax purposes to the extent of consideration paid.

Revenue of Burgiss recognized within the consolidated financial statements was $105.9 million and $25.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

On November 1, 2023 MSCI completed the acquisition of Trove Research Ltd (“Trove”), a carbon markets intelligence provider. Trove is a part of the ESG and Climate operating segment.

On January 2, 2024, MSCI completed the acquisition of Fabric RQ, Inc. (“Fabric”), a wealth technology platform specializing in portfolio design, customization and analytics for wealth managers and advisors. Fabric is a part of the Analytics operating segment. The contingent consideration related to Fabric is payable based upon the future product sales of the acquired business.

On April 16, 2024, MSCI completed the acquisition of Foxberry Ltd. (“Foxberry”), a front-office index technology platform. Foxberry is a part of the Index operating segment. The contingent consideration related to Foxberry is payable based upon the achievement of integration metrics related to the operation of the platform.

The Company recognizes the fair value of contingent consideration at the date of acquisition. The liability associated with any contingent consideration is remeasured to fair value at each reporting date subsequent to the acquisition and changes in the fair value are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The following table presents the preliminary acquired balances related to the acquisitions of Trove, Fabric and Foxberry:

The fair values of the contingent consideration were determined based on management estimates and assumptions which primarily include forecasted product sales, probability of achievement of certain integration targets and discount rates. The Company classifies these liabilities as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy, as the measurement is based on inputs that are not observable in the market. As of December 31, 2024, the fair value of the contingent consideration was $28.6 million, of which $9.4 million is included in “Other accrued liabilities” and $19.2 million is included in “Other non-current liabilities” on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition.

Changes in the Company’s Level 3 financial liabilities for the periods indicated were as follows:

(1)Reflects balance of contingent consideration at acquisition date fair value.

The recorded goodwill for Trove is primarily attributable to expected synergies from the utilization of the acquired data as well as expanded market opportunities. The recorded goodwill amounts for Fabric and Foxberry are primarily attributable to expected synergies from the utilization of the acquired technology platforms. Goodwill attributable to the acquisitions of Fabric, Trove and Foxberry are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Revenue of Trove, Fabric and Foxberry recognized within the Consolidated Statement of Income was not material for the years ended December 31, 2024 or 2023.