Carlyle Group Inc. has agreed to sell iC Consult Group, the world’s largest independent provider of identity‑security services, to Bridgepoint. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
Carlyle first acquired a majority stake in iC Consult in December 2020, with the deal closing in the first quarter of 2021. During its ownership, Carlyle drove revenue, EBITDA and headcount growth of more than 2.5 times, expanding the company’s geographic reach and deepening its vendor‑ecosystem relationships. iC Consult now employs over 850 specialists and serves a blue‑chip enterprise client base across Europe and North America.
Bridgepoint’s acquisition aligns with its strategy of investing in cybersecurity platforms, particularly in identity and access management (IAM). The IAM market is growing rapidly, driven by cyber‑threats, regulatory demands and the proliferation of digital identities, including those linked to AI. Bridgepoint plans to pursue selective M&A and further invest in AI‑enabled capabilities under its ownership.
Carlyle’s divestiture reflects its focus on non‑core assets and a desire to reallocate capital to high‑growth technology and security businesses. The sale allows Carlyle to realize gains from its investment in iC Consult while maintaining a strong balance sheet, as the firm reported $477 billion of assets under management as of December 31 2025.
Management commentary underscores the partnership’s success: Dr. Thorsten Dippel, Managing Director of Carlyle Europe Technology Partners, said, “We are delighted to have partnered with iC Consult’s founder and CEO, Jürgen Biermann, and the entire iC Consult leadership team over the past several years. The company has developed into a leading global identity‑security specialist with deep vendor‑ecosystem relationships and a broad geographic presence.” Jürgen Biermann added, “Carlyle has been an exceptional partner in helping us scale iC Consult into the global leader it is today. Together we have expanded internationally, enhanced our leadership and operational capabilities, and invested significantly in our delivery platform and service innovation. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to continuing our growth journey with Bridgepoint.”
The transaction highlights the continued consolidation in the identity‑security sector, as firms seek to combine deep technical expertise with broader market reach. For Carlyle, the sale signals a strategic shift toward higher‑growth, technology‑centric assets, while for Bridgepoint it represents a significant expansion of its IAM portfolio and a foothold in the AI‑security space.
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