RWS acquires AI firm Obviously in £40 million strategic expansion
RWS Holdings has agreed to buy AI company Obviously for £40 million. The deal includes an initial £16.5 million payment, with the rest tied to future performance targets. Obviously’s CEO, Lewis Whiting, will join RWS’s protect division once the acquisition completes. Founded in 1958 and listed on AIM in 2003, RWS specialises in language, content, and intellectual property services. The company now aims to expand its client offerings beyond AI infrastructure through this purchase.
Obviously reported revenue of around £2.5 million in the year ending February 2026 but recorded a loss of roughly £1.5 million. The acquisition’s final terms depend on the firm achieving profitability by September 2029. RWS plans to integrate Obviously’s technology into a single, unified platform. CEO Benjamin Faes described the move as a key step in shifting RWS towards a 'technology-first business'. The company views the deal as a strategic investment with potential for significant revenue growth.
The acquisition will see Obviously’s leadership transition into RWS’s existing structure. If performance targets are met, the total deal value could reach £40 million. RWS expects the integration to strengthen its position in AI-driven services.
