Consulting M&A Weekly Round-up (7th to 13th January, 2024)

Welcome back readers, to our latest installment of the global consulting M&A news round-up. In this edition, we have an array of noteworthy deals to explore, with Accenture making a splash through a double acquisition and several other pivotal transactions capturing our attention.

As we embark on this exploration of the dynamic landscape of mergers and acquisitions in the consulting realm, join us in uncovering the intricacies and highlights of these recent developments. Without keeping you waiting any longer, let's delve into the exciting world of consulting M&A news.

#1. Accenture to acquire Navisite

Accenture is set to acquire Navisite, a digital transformation and managed services firm based in Andover, Massachusetts.

Established in 1996, Navisite specializes in cloud, application, database, infrastructure, data analytics, and security services. With a workforce of 1,500 professionals spanning offices in the US, Costa Rica, the UK, and India, the company boasts a team of 400 cloud engineers holding over 2,000 certifications from various cloud providers.

Navisite collaborates with clients in diverse sectors such as technology, business services, healthcare, life sciences, and manufacturing.

Accenture's strategic acquisition of Navisite aims to strengthen its capabilities in application and infrastructure managed services.

#2. Accenture expands cyber portfolio with 6point6 deal

Accenture, the global IT services and consulting firm, has recently acquired 6point6, a UK-based tech consultancy firm. This strategic move is part of Accenture's broader initiative to enhance its cybersecurity support services throughout Europe.

Established in 2012 and headquartered in Manchester, 6point6 has played a pivotal role in supporting significant digital transformation initiatives for the UK government, including projects for HM Court and Tribunal Services.

The company specializes not only in digital transformation and modernization of legacy systems but has also demonstrated expertise in helping organizations embrace machine learning and bolster cybersecurity. This includes offering services such as penetration testing and cyber incident response management.

Emma Kendrew, Accenture's UK technology lead, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "With Accenture's extensive range of consulting and technology services, it will complement our innovative team, enabling us to assist clients in reimagining their future with solutions that are forward-thinking."

#3. Stantec to acquire Morrison Hershfield

Stantec, a design and engineering consultancy based in Edmonton, is set to acquire Morrison Hershfield, a civil engineering firm located in Markham, Ontario.

Established in 1946, Morrison Hershfield specializes in transportation, buildings, and environmental services. The firm boasts a robust presence in Canada, with 1,150 employees spread across offices in 22 cities in Canada and the US, along with an additional office in India.

The acquisition, slated to be finalized in the first quarter of 2024, will significantly enhance Stantec's footprint in key Canadian markets and bolster its buildings engineering capabilities in the US.

With the inclusion of Morrison Hershfield, Stantec anticipates a 10% increase in its Canadian workforce and a doubling of its presence in the transportation sector in Ontario. This expansion will particularly strengthen Stantec's offerings in areas such as bridge construction, highway projects, and inspection services.

#4. Zanders bolsters risk offering with acquisition of Optimum Prime

Zanders has completed the acquisition of Optimum Prime, a Dutch software consultancy focusing on specialized quantitative risk management modeling within the financial services industry.

Established in 2016, Optimum Prime offers software solutions designed to assist banks, asset managers, insurers, and pension funds in evaluating risks associated with their OTC derivatives, encompassing interest rates, bonds, equity, foreign exchange, and commodities.

Laurens Tijdhof, CEO and Managing Partner of Zanders, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting the valuable expertise and innovative solutions it brings to the company.

#5. MNP buys eastern Quebec accountancy Lafond CPA

MNP, a nationally recognized mid-market accounting and consulting firm, has successfully acquired Lafond CPA Inc., a boutique accountancy based in Amqui, QC.

Situated in the Matapédia region within Bas-Saint-Laurent, approximately 415 km northeast of Quebec City, the Amqui firm boasts a team of four members, led by founder Julien Lafond. Specializing in accounting, tax, and advisory services, the firm serves private enterprises across Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie.

This strategic acquisition marks MNP's entry into Matapédia, enhancing its presence in the region. Originating from Calgary, MNP first entered the Quebec market in 2011 and has since grown to include 1,200 team members and 25 offices across the province, with additional locations in eastern Quebec such as Rimouski, Matane, and Gaspé.

#6. RMA Companies expands into Texas and Kansas with acquisition of Rone Engineering

RMA Companies, a geotechnical engineering and environmental consulting firm based in Los Angeles, has extended its footprint into Texas and Kansas through the acquisition of Rone Engineering, a geotechnical engineering firm located in Dallas.

Established in 1972, Rone specializes in providing geotechnical engineering, materials testing, and environmental services to clients in the US South-Central region, both in the public and private sectors.

The firm is actively involved in diverse projects spanning transportation, public buildings, industrial facilities, commercial developments, and residential constructions.

Richard Leigh, currently the president of Rone, is set to assume the role of Texas divisional president within RMA. Expressing enthusiasm about the acquisition, Leigh stated, “The Rone Engineering team is excited to become part of the RMA family of companies. This partnership with RMA is poised to expedite our growth in the South-Central region, enhancing our service capabilities to better cater to the needs of our clients.”

Closing Thoughts

That wraps up our weekly report on consulting M&A news. If there are any deals we overlooked, please reach out and let us know. Additionally, we invite you to join us again next week for another installment of M&A news. Until then, take care and stay safe. Cheers!