Key players: IMS, founded in the early 1990s by Mike and Bill Wein as an executive search firm and evolved into a full-service litigation support provider, was previously owned by Trinity Hunt Partners, which exited via this sale.[2][3][5][8] Uplift, launched in 2025 and based in Darien, Connecticut, is led by Managing Partners Will Hausberg and Doug Rosenstein; this marks its second investment after forming Orion Legal MSO with Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers in January 2026.[2][3][4][6] IMS CEO James Crane endorsed the deal for growth alignment. Advisors included Robert W. Baird & Co. and Piper Sandler (Uplift financial), Kirkland & Ellis (Uplift legal), Deloitte Corporate Finance (IMS financial), and Katten Muchin Rosenman (IMS legal).[2][3]
Context and timeline: IMS grew from executive search to the largest U.S. network-based expert witness provider, targeting high-complexity litigation in a non-cyclical market. Uplift's "5-5-5 Framework" focuses on services like legal via dual-sided networks, with plans to invest in IMS's technology, data, talent, and M&A for expansion.[2][3] Uplift's first deal was Orion Legal in January 2026; this second platform builds its legal services focus amid rising litigation complexity.[4][6][7]
Newsworthiness: Announced April 6, 2026, the deal highlights PE consolidation in fragmented legal services, where firms face complex cases needing specialized expertise; Uplift eyes IMS's network effects for scalable growth in a growing market.[2][3][7][8]