Transaction marks Uplift’s second investment following 2025 launch

DARIEN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Uplift Investors (“Uplift”), a middle-market private equity firm with a business model-centric focus on services investing, today announced the acquisition of IMS Legal Strategies (“IMS”), a trusted partner to law firms and corporations worldwide providing expertise solutions for dispute-related challenges across the entire litigation lifecycle, such as specialized expert witness services, advisory and analytical support and data-driven jury consulting. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

As the largest network-based expert witness provider in the U.S., IMS aligns with Uplift’s investment strategy, which targets scaled services businesses across multiple end markets, including legal services. Uplift’s strategy is underpinned by a distinct “5-5-5 Framework,” focusing on companies operating at the intersection of five business models: dual-sided networks, functional outsourcing, professional services, route-based services and information services; with five services sectors: knowledge and talent solutions, legal services, technical trades, financial services and industrial services; seeking to capitalize on five scalable value creation initiatives: organizational design and team development, go-to-market excellence, talent acquisition and optimization, technology, data and AI enablement and M&A and integration.

IMS was founded by Mike and Bill Wein in the early 1990s as an executive search firm and has since evolved into a full-service provider of consulting and expert services focused on high-complexity litigation.

Will Hausberg, Managing Partner at Uplift, said, “IMS’s scale, reputation and embedded role in providing expertise for high-stakes legal workflows creates a powerful network effect and a durable competitive advantage at the center of a large, growing and non-cyclical market.”

Doug Rosenstein, Managing Partner at Uplift, added, “Drawing on our experience investing in and scaling dual-sided networks, we see a clear opportunity to accelerate growth through targeted investments in technology and data enablement, enhanced go-to-market execution and continued strategic M&A to further strengthen the platform.”

James Crane, Chief Executive Officer of IMS, said, “We are proud of the platform we’ve built and the critical role we play for both our clients and expert partners, and we’re excited to partner with Uplift for our next phase of growth. Uplift brings a deep understanding of dual-sided network businesses and a value creation approach that aligns closely with our long-term vision. Their focus on investing in people, technology and scalable infrastructure positions us to expand our reach, deepen client relationships and continue delivering best-in-class outcomes in the most complex and consequential matters.”

Robert W. Baird & Co. and Piper Sandler served as financial advisors to Uplift, and Kirkland & Ellis acted as its legal counsel. Deloitte Corporate Finance, LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor to IMS, and Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP acted as its legal counsel.

About Uplift Investors

Uplift Investors is a business model-centric, services investment firm dedicated to creating scalable success and lasting partnerships. Headquartered in Darien, Connecticut, the firm takes a specialized approach to private equity investing, focusing on micro-sectors at the intersection of five business models and five services sectors. Uplift partners with management teams and provides functional resources to catalyze distinct competitive advantages to elevate its partner companies. For more information, visit www.upliftinvestors.com.

About IMS Legal Strategies

IMS Legal Strategies is a trusted partner to law firms and corporations worldwide, providing the expertise and technology needed to solve dispute-related challenges and protect reputations. IMS delivers strategic solutions for the entire litigation lifecycle, including advisory and analytical support, specialized expert witness services, data-driven jury consulting, powerful trial graphics, and seamless presentation technology. We work closely with clients to develop a strong case around key themes and present compelling narratives that leave a lasting impression on decision-makers. Our integrated teams have decades of practical experience in more than 65,000 cases and 6,500 trials. Together, we win. Visit www.imslegal.com for more.

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Source: Uplift Investors