Business Services | Fourth Quarter 2015

February 2016 – For the fourth quarter, the SCA Business Services Index increased by 3.6% compared to an increase of 6.2% for the S&P 500. While most Business Services sub-sectors underperformed the S&P 500, only the Specialty Consulting Index (decline by 3.6%) declined for the quarter as it reflected growing concerns over the outlook for energy, healthcare and litigation services, all of which have historically been heavy users of specialty consulting services.

After a substantial number of new private equity investments into the Business Services sector during the first three quarters 2015, the fourth quarter saw a wave of strategic consolidation. In particular, acquisitions of data-based companies and information services businesses remained especially active while traditional HR and Outsourcing sectors experienced reduced activity.

Notable merger and acquisition transactions during the quarter included:
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