France’s Powerling Acquires US-based Translation Boutique TrueLanguage

France-headquartered language service provider (LSP) Powerling has acquired US-based boutique TrueLanguage. The terms of the transaction, which closed on June 1, 2023, are undisclosed.

Powerling’s CEO and co-Founder, Pierrick Mathieu, told Slator that the discussions began in early December 2022 and that Powerling had been actively looking to strengthen its presence in North America. The company has existing offices in Lille, Paris, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, and Boston.

Powerling quickly identified the potential benefits of the two companies joining forces after their initial discussion. For example, Mathieu said, TrueLanguage’s project management team will help to scale Powerling’s “client-centric spirit and customization technology” further. Meanwhile, TrueLanguage will benefit from Powerling’s sales and IT teams and technology. 

Founded in 1998, Powerling scaled to revenues of USD 11m by 2022, servicing customers across sectors including life sciences, government, manufacturing, and SaaS companies. The company provides translation, localization, and copywriting as well as digital and audiovisual services such as SEO and DTP.

According to Mathieu, TrueLanguage will add a further USD 0.8m to Powerling’s topline and combined revenues are forecast to reach USD 12.5m in 2023. 

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Mathieu also said TrueLanguage’s CEO, Uli Dendy — who co-founded the Atlanta-based translation agency in 2006 — will remain with the combined organization for a transition period. The company’s other staff have joined Powerling, which now employs a total of 55 people. 

The TrueLanguage name will remain. Its website has been updated to feature the Powerling association.