Accenture wraps up fourth Australian acquisition in a year
Wrapping up its fourth Australian acquisition in a year, Accenture has snapped up Apis Group, a Canberra-based professional services firm focused on the public sector.
The deal sees 120 professionals join the ranks of Accenture, integrated into the firm’s Public Sector and Government industry practices. “Apis Group’s extensive experience working with public service organisations complements Accenture’s established credentials across government,” said Louise May, who leads Accenture’s Health & Public Service practice in Australia and New Zealand.
Founded in 1999, Apis Group works with some of Australia’s largest public service organisations, providing strategic advisory services, project management, business transformation and digital design services. The firm’s track record spans a range of segments, including federal government, social services, health, elderly care, education, labour market and environment.
The transactions marks Accenture’s fourth deal in Australia this year, following the bolt-ons of big data company Analytics8 in August, cybersecurity and technology company BCT Solutions in June, and Oracle specialist PrimeQ at the start of 2019. “The acquisition of Apis Group is the latest demonstration of our continued investment in Australia,” said Bob Easton, chairman of Accenture in Australia and New Zealand.
However, in sync with beefing up its capabilities “in areas where we have ongoing client demand and new opportunities”, including cloud, cyber and data science, Accenture is at the same time recalibrating its management, in a transition which is set to downsize its managing directors level by up to 70 roles.
According to a spokesperson of consulting firm, cuts will only impact areas facing an “overcapacity of skills”, which reportedly includes the management consulting and financial services units. With revenues of $2 billion in Australia, Accenture is one of the country’s largest professional services firms, in terms of size roughly on par with Big Four players EY and Deloitte.
For Apis Group chairman Anthony Honeyman, the opportunity to become part of Accenture “presents great possibilities for the business, our clients and our people.” Tim Ryan, managing partner at Apis Group added, “By combining our skills, expertise and client relationships, we can enhance our offerings to government clients including deploying digital services that deliver enhanced experience to citizens in their dealings with government.”
Globally, Accenture has closed more than 30 acquisitions in the past twelve months, spending a massive US$1.2 billion in the process.
