Consulting M&A Weekly Round-up (19th to 25th November, 2023)

Greetings and welcome once again to our latest installment of consulting mergers and acquisitions news. In contrast to the usual buzz, this week has unfolded in a rather tranquil manner.

Nevertheless, noteworthy transactions have occurred, with the spotlight on Deloitte's acquisition of Fleet Challenge. Join us as we delve into the specifics of all the happenings in the week gone by, guiding you through the current developments in the dynamic landscape of consulting M&A.

#1. Deloitte acquires Fleet Challenge Canada

Deloitte Canada has successfully acquired Fleet Challenge Canada, a consulting firm based in Toronto specializing in fleet management.

Established in 2005 by Roger Smith, Fleet Challenge operates as a boutique consultancy, offering guidance on public sector and private vehicle fleets, ranging from municipalities to trucking companies.

The firm's team, comprising fleet managers and automotive experts, collaborates with clients on diverse fleet-related issues, encompassing financial considerations, environmental impact, business structure, strategic planning, organizational efficiency, and cost competitiveness.

This strategic acquisition by Deloitte aims to enhance its existing portfolio of services for mid-market and large clients in the areas of fleet management, decarbonization, and electrification.

Roger Smith and his team will integrate into Deloitte's fleet decarbonization practice within its consulting business. The transaction encompasses the inclusion of Fleet Challenge's proprietary tools and databases, notably the Fleet Analytics Review, a predictive analysis and forecasting tool.

Anthony Viel, CEO of Deloitte Canada, expressed enthusiasm about the addition of Fleet Challenge to their organization, citing not only the firm's strong relationships and stellar reputation but also the extensive capabilities and industry knowledge they bring.

Smith echoed this sentiment, stating, "By combining our deep industry knowledge and specialized skills with Deloitte's global network and strong reputation, we know we can help Canadian fleets optimize their operations and navigate critical challenges to achieve their firm and ambitious targets to reduce GHG emissions."

#2. Nepsis acquires Sevenich, Butler, Gerlach & Brazil

Nepsis, a financial advisor and investment management firm based in Minneapolis, has successfully acquired Sevenich, Butler, Gerlach & Brazil (SBGB), a boutique CPA firm located in St. Paul.

SBGB boasts a team of four highly skilled CPAs specializing in accounting, tax, and consulting services tailored for high-net-worth (HNW) families, individuals, and business owners.

This strategic acquisition is poised to enhance Nepsis' family office practice, particularly in the realm of wealth management offerings designed for high-net-worth families.

Matt Pearson, the president of Nepsis, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “With Sevenich, Butler, Gerlach & Brazil, Ltd., we have found a collaborative partner that will significantly enhance our firm's capacity to deliver personalized and comprehensive financial guidance to our clients.”

He further added, “In an evolving advisory industry that increasingly values a service model encompassing wealth, tax, and accounting expertise, advisors must be well-equipped to provide a holistic perspective on clients’ financial lives.”

Closing Thoughts

Concluding this week's review of consulting M&A updates, it's important to highlight that despite the prevailing uncertainty, the mergers and acquisitions landscape in our industry remains consistently active.

Whether it's prominent entities solidifying their market presence or smaller enterprises aiming to broaden their specialized domains, there's a perpetual sense of dynamism. Despite the ongoing vibrancy, it's conceivable that certain deals might elude our attention.

Should you come across any such deals that have escaped our notice, we encourage you to reach out and inform us. Until our next update, farewell for now.