luke-minford-ceo-of-rouse
15 December 2022Sarah Speight

Rouse steps up tech offering with Swedish acquisition

Alliance seen as “natural fit” for the global IP firm | Acquisition will tackle issue of “siloing” among global IP firms.

International IP firm Rouse has acquired European IP agency Valea in what it says forms “part of its objective of greater integration and alignment of IP services globally”.

Rouse said in its announcement today, December 15, that the acquisition of Valea is a “natural fit”, having had a presence in Sweden since July 2019.

Valea, based in Sweden, offers patent expertise based in a tech and green tech region that has ranked in the top five in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO’s) 2022 Global Innovation Index.

The firm has been active in Sweden for more than 100 years, and currently has three offices in the R&D-intense cities of Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmo. Through these offices, it supports Scandinavian innovators with both domestic and international IP needs.

Rouse, which was established in the UK in 1990, now operates from 18 offices in 11 countries—including China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Luke Minford (pictured), chief executive of Rouse, pointed to the “ever-growing need for diversity of networks and speed” and that they had this in mind when they started conversations with Valea.

“We’re very excited about Valea joining Rouse,” he said. “They have an outstanding team of IP professionals, and we can now connect them and their clients with the exceptional capabilities that Rouse has in the markets of Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

“It’s a great connection, and connectedness is key to solving the complex multi-jurisdictional problems our clients face.”

Andrew Hammond, founding partner and owner of Valea, said that the merger will “tackle the issue of siloing”.

“IP firms and professionals across the globe have been siloed for too long, restricting knowledge-sharing and, ultimately, limiting innovation among multinational corporations.

“Through our deal with Rouse, we are excited to be a part of the movement aiming to tackle the issue of siloing, and kickstart a more efficient IP services market.”

Sara Holder, head of M&A at Rouse, added: “This is such a good fit for Rouse and Valea. Valea in Sweden will increase our team’s knowledge and expertise, strengthening our offering to clients and broadening our global capabilities.”

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