EQS Group, a preeminent international cloud software provider specializing in corporate compliance, investor relations, and sustainability reporting, announced today its exclusive negotiations to acquire French company Data Legal Drive. This strategic acquisition aims to cement EQS Group’s leading position in the European compliance Software as a Service (SaaS) market, particularly enhancing its capabilities in data protection and GDPR compliance.

Data Legal Drive, recognized as a pivotal player in the GDPR and anti-corruption compliance software market, has rapidly become a leading independent compliance software provider in France since its inception in 2018, the same year GDPR was enacted into European law. The company boasts over 10,000 customer organizations and 50,000 users spanning 50 countries, including compliance officers and data protection officers. Its innovative approach includes the integration of AI into its solutions, optimizing efficiency for businesses and public bodies.

Achim Weick, founder and CEO of EQS Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition: “The acquisition of Data Legal Drive will be a significant milestone for EQS Group and will bolster our expertise, particularly for GDPR compliance. With our collective track record in compliance and technology innovation, we will be in an ideal position to expand our services and address our customers’ compliance needs even more comprehensively.”

Sylvain Staub, founder and CEO of Data Legal Drive, also shared his positive outlook on the merger, stating, “With the experience of EQS Group in building a comprehensive compliance platform, we believe they are the ideal partner for our next stage of growth. The power of our combined expertise and services, both in compliance and digital innovation, will bring immense additional value to our customers.”

The acquisition is not just a growth strategy for EQS Group but also provides Data Legal Drive the opportunity to leverage EQS Group’s extensive industry experience and market-leading position in the RegTech and compliance space. The merger promises significant synergies with EQS Group’s product portfolio and customer base, enhancing offerings around AI and regulations stemming from the new EU AI Act.

EQS Group, founded in Munich in 2000, has grown to employ around 500 professionals and is represented in the world’s most important financial centers. Its products, bundled in the cloud-based software EQS COCKPIT, manage diverse compliance processes including whistleblower protection, policy management, and sustainable reporting, ensuring that companies globally can meet complex regulatory requirements efficiently and securely.

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