Kwintessential acquired by Temple Translations

Kwintessential's journey

Founded in 2003, Kwintessential was established by three founders with a vision to help businesses navigate the complexities of globalisation and multinational operations. The agency built its reputation by offering a range of services, including legal translations, conference interpreting, court case translations for global law firms, document translations, and website localization.

Clients included NATO, Nestlé, and The Telegraph Media Group.

Over time, Kwintessential also developed expertise in consultancy services, particularly focusing on cultural diversity in business.

As Kwintessential grew, it forged strong connections with businesses in Dubai and the Middle East, tapping into the region’s booming market opportunities. The company became known not just for its translation services but also for its cultural consultancy work, helping clients understand the nuances of doing business across different cultures.

Acquisition by Temple Translations

In early 2014, Neil Payne, Kwintessential's founder and sales director, appointed James Pugh to oversee the sale of the company. Given the fragmented nature of the translation industry, it was anticipated that an independent group would be the most likely buyer. This expectation became reality when Temple Translations, a London-based specialist in legal and financial translations, agreed to acquire Kwintessential.

However, the deal excluded Kwintessential’s Middle East subsidiary and consulting arm, which were separated from the transaction before the acquisition was finalised in October 2014.