Consulting M&A Weekly Round-up (21st to 27th April, 2024)

Welcome back to another weekly round-up of consulting M&A news from around the globe. We have a few deals to cover this week including UST’s acquisition of Strativity and a few more. So, without taking any longer, let us dive straight in.

#1. Strativity joins global digital transformation consultancy UST

UST, a global digital transformation company operating in over 30 countries, has acquired Strativity, a homegrown Australian consultancy based in Sydney.

Specializing in customer-centric transformations, Strativity brings its boutique expertise to the table with a team of 30 professionals offering services such as customer experience strategy, design, innovation, and organizational change management.

Kumaran CR, Managing Director of UST in Australia, emphasized the complementary nature of the acquisition, stating, "We can leverage Strativity's proficiency in customer strategy, experience design, and organizational change alongside UST's established strengths in enterprise architecture, product engineering, data, process transformation, cybersecurity, and technology implementation to deliver enhanced value to our clients."

While Strativity will maintain its brand identity, it will now operate as 'A UST company,' reflecting its integration into the UST ecosystem. The Strativity team will continue to lead the customer experience strategy and design solutions for UST in the Australia and New Zealand region, further enhancing UST's presence and offerings in the market.

#2. Livingstone Partners purchases Dutch M&A firm Florin Finance

Livingstone Partners, a prominent global M&A and debt advisory firm, has expanded its footprint in the Dutch market through the acquisition of Florin Finance, a local boutique firm.

Established in 2013, Florin Finance has garnered recognition for its expertise, having successfully concluded numerous transactions across various sectors including agriculture, professional services, industry, technology, telecom, and retail. The boutique has earned accolades, notably being named a leading M&A consultancy in the Dutch market in 2023.

With the integration of Florin Finance, Livingstone Partners sees its Amsterdam team size double to approximately 20 professionals.

Ralph Hagelgans, Managing Partner at Livingstone, commented, "This strategic move solidifies our standing as the foremost independent M&A firm for middle-market transactions in the Netherlands. The addition of the Florin Finance team also positions us for continued expansion in the Benelux region, offering abundant opportunities for both clients and professionals alike."

#3. Marshall & Stevens acquires two more valuation consultancies

Marshall & Stevens, a valuation and dispute consulting firm headquartered in Los Angeles, revealed its acquisition of two esteemed firms: Value Consulting Group and Lone Peak Valuation Group.

Value Consulting Group, situated in the Minneapolis area, specializes in providing independent valuations for various entities such as employee stock ownership plans, privately owned businesses, intangible assets, and real estate. Additionally, the firm offers investigative accounting, damages calculations, valuations, and expert witness services for divorce and business disputes.

Meanwhile, Lone Peak Valuation Group, located in Salt Lake City, focuses on independent valuations of business enterprises and intangible assets, along with offering forensic accounting and litigation services, including damages calculations and expert witness testimony.

Patrick Schmidt, the founder of Value Consulting, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, stating, “Joining Marshall & Stevens provides our team a larger, more diverse platform to serve the needs of our clients. This transaction allows us the opportunity to offer top-notch Fairness Opinions, Solvency Opinions, financial reporting valuations, equipment appraisals, and investment banking to our clients and referral sources.”

Similarly, Rick Hoffman, managing director and co-founder of Lone Peak, emphasized their commitment to quality service, saying, “We formed Lone Peak in 2008 with a desire to approach every client matter with the utmost focus, attention to detail, and high-quality service. I am proud to say we have been successful in meeting these goals and we will continue in this manner with Marshall & Stevens.”

These acquisitions signify a significant expansion for Marshall & Stevens, bolstering their capabilities in financial valuation and dispute resolution & expert witness services.

#4. AESG launches security consulting practice following SGW deal

AESG, an esteemed international engineering consulting firm, has recently completed the acquisition of SGW, thereby enhancing its expertise in safety and security services within the built environment.

Established in 2003, SGW specializes in providing advisory services related to security and life safety for various assets within constructed spaces. Collaborating with planning authorities, architects, property developers, real estate professionals, and public sector entities, SGW contributes to the establishment of safe and secure communities.

The integration of SGW into AESG brings aboard a proficient team of approximately 30 professionals, operating from offices located in the UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.

Saeed Al Abbar, CEO of AESG, remarked, "With SGW's notable track record of projects spanning across the Middle East, UK, Russia, China, and Europe, their dedication to excellence and specialization resonates perfectly with the core values that have propelled AESG's success."

Closing Thoughts

And that is it for this week’s consulting M&A news from around the globe. We hope you really enjoyed this read. If we missed out on any deals, please write to us and make it know. We will be back again next week for another round-up, so in the meantime, take care and stay tuned!