TransPerfect Expands Language AI Leadership Through Unbabel Acquisition

TransPerfect, a global leader in language and AI solutions, has recently made headlines with its acquisition of Unbabel, a key player in the language AI sector. This strategic move, announced on August 22, 2025, is set to enhance TransPerfect's existing technology stack and solidify its leadership position in providing language solutions for businesses worldwide.

Founded in 2013 in Lisbon, Unbabel has established itself at the forefront of translation AI, focusing on using innovative technologies to eliminate language barriers and facilitate seamless communication for businesses. With a mission geared towards improving customer experiences through high-quality, multilingual support, Unbabel is well-aligned with TransPerfect's objectives. The company’s premier product, TowerLLM, is specifically designed for translation and offers remarkable accuracy and adaptability, outperforming other general-purpose models in the market. Additionally, their COMET tool sets the benchmark for assessing machine translation quality.

By integrating these advanced tools into its GlobalLink® technology portfolio, TransPerfect will not only enhance its already robust offerings but also provide clients with cutting-edge AI-driven solutions. Phil Shawe, President and Co-CEO of TransPerfect, emphasized the significance of this acquisition, noting that Unbabel’s technology complements their existing capabilities and is a substantial advantage for their shared clientele, enabling more efficient innovation in the field.

Unbabel's Co-Founder and CEO, Vasco Pedro, will remain with the company during the integration process, further ensuring a smooth transition. Pedro expressed his gratitude towards his team, acknowledging their efforts in pioneering advancements that have transformed the way the world communicates across languages. He highlighted that being part of TransPerfect would provide Unbabel’s technologies with a broader platform from which to scale and create a greater impact.

The transaction was facilitated with the guidance of legal advisors, including Baker Botts and DLA Piper for TransPerfect and Orrick for Unbabel, respectively. This acquisition comes amidst a growing demand for language services in an increasingly globalized world, where businesses must communicate effectively across different cultures and languages.

Background of the Companies

Unbabel

Unbabel operates under the premise that effective communication should not be hampered by language differences. The company combines artificial intelligence with human expertise to deliver fast and efficient translation services. By leveraging custom workflows and advanced AI models, Unbabel enables enterprises to maintain high standards in multilingual content without compromising on quality or speed.

TransPerfect

With a presence in over 140 cities around the world, TransPerfect boasts extensive expertise in language services. The company caters to more than 6,000 organizations, providing them with solutions in over 200 languages. TransPerfect's commitment to quality and client satisfaction is reflected in its ISO certifications, establishing it as a trusted partner for businesses navigating the challenges of global communication.

Conclusion

The acquisition of Unbabel marks a significant milestone for TransPerfect, positioning the company to meet the evolving needs of its clients and the global market more effectively. As businesses increasingly prioritize multilingual capabilities, TransPerfect’s enhanced offerings will provide the necessary tools to help them succeed in diverse environments, ensuring that language is no longer a barrier but a bridge to customer trust and engagement.