Andersens snaps up web consultancy
Arthur Andersen has signalled its intent to engineer itself as an e-consultancy after snapping up e-business solutions provider Xpedior - and revealed further deals are expected to follow.
The acquisition of Isleworth-based Xpedior for an undisclosed sum is the first deal the firm has made in the UK since its split with Andersen Consulting last year.
It added that further deals were likely as the firm looked to boost its position in the e-business consulting rankings. The acquisition followed the two parties working together and came after ‘quick’ negotiations.
An AA spokesman, said: ‘The deal was completed very quickly after it became apparent there were synergies with the two parties. We are looking to shift our brand in this direction and the opportunity was too good to miss out on. It heralds us moving towards increasing our e-business consultancy capabilities.’
Similar deals recently completed have included Darestep – the e-consultancy owned by Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, which took over Swedish internet consultancy Mind.
The acquisition transfers all assets of Xpedior UK to AA, under the umbrella of Arthur Andersen Digital Solutions and will be headed by Xpedior UK managing director, Chris Read.
Read, said: ‘What we are witnessing is the latest evolution in the new economy. It is the blue chip companies that are now the driving force behind e-business. Our team, working with Arthur Andersen’s client base, can look forward to working on projects at the heart of the new economy.
‘We believe that e-business is about more than just the internet – for us, the ‘e’ stands for efficiency, effectiveness, engagement, evolution and empowerment.’
The deal will allow AA to offer blue-chip clients a wider base of technology skills for integrating supply chains using websites and other digital technology.
He explains: ‘FTSE 500 companies often operate in mature markets where it is difficult to achieve appreciable growth in market share. Instead, these businesses are focused on increasing profitability and shareholder value by maximising the value of their existing consumers and improving the efficiency of their work force.
‘As part of Arthur Andersen, we will be positioned to transform clients’ performance by combining best of breed pre-packaged solutions and the intellectual capital of Arthur Andersen and Xpedior UK to drive the bespoke applications that differentiate and build sustainable competitive advantage.’
The same management team who led Xpedior UK will head Arthur Andersen Digital Solutions and will continue to operate in Isleworth.
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