Capgemini buys Australian SAP technology consultancy Acclimation
Capgemini has injected more power into its Australia SAP offering with the acquisition of Melbourne-based SAP Gold Partner Acclimation. Sydney-based M&A advisory firm SCD supported the sell-side of the deal.
Acclimation is an SAP stalwart in Australia – with a firm grip on the technical side of workflow management and insights into optimal implementation strategies. Since launching in 2008, the firm has grown into a 100-strong workforce with offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, topped off with an international office in Singapore.
SAP has recognised Acclimation’s services over the years, giving it Gold Partner status and naming it 2019 partner of the year for SAP Business ByDesign – an intelligent enterprise resource planning tool that enables coherence across business functions. Capgemini has now bolted this specialised team on to its own SAP proposition.
“By pairing Capgemini’s global expertise with the talent and insight of Acclimation; an SAP industry leader in Australia, this acquisition will strengthen our ability to help clients accelerate their transformation to run their entire business in the cloud,” said Olaf Pietschner – former Capgemini Australia CEO and current CEO for APAC and the Middle East.
This is Capgemini’s second big-ticket Australia acquisition within a year: in November 2020, the firm picked up Melbourne-based, 500-strong digital marketing firm RXP Services for $95 million. Building scale is key, although the global tech major is also looking for a shift of mindset.
“Our goal is to bring new thinking and innovation to our clients and accelerate their transformation to be more sustainable businesses,” said Capgemini’s ANZ managing director Kaylene O’Brien. Acclimation brings this cutting edge culture, as well as a solid client portfolio: the firm has previously worked with big names such as Coles Group, Powerlink and NSW Land Registry Services – among others.
Deal advisors
And the deal is a big step up for Acclimation too. “People are Acclimation’s driving force, and Joining Capgemini presents a great opportunity for Acclimation’s team to further develop and grow,” explained Acclimation managing partner Cameron Sherrard, who noted “strong cultural synergies” across both companies.
Helping them seal this dream deal was SCD Advisory – an independent corporate advisory firm with specialised expertise in consulting industry mergers and acquisitions (M&A). “We are proud and excited to have been part of this major move in the Australian SAP market,” said SCD founder Pierre Briand.
Sherrard and fellow Acclimation managing director Rob Taubman noted their appreciation for SCD’s services. “We are extremely grateful to SCD Advisory for their efficient and professional management of the process and successful completion of the transaction which resulted in a great outcome for all parties.”
“The result of SCD Advisory’s bespoke, sector-specialised and hands-on approach confirmed we chose the right M&A boutique to offer us options, to manage, and to execute our cross-border deal,” they concluded.
