Consulting M&A Weekly Round-up (17th to 23rd September, 2023)

by Laurent Thomas | Sep 25, 2023 | 0 comments

The realm of mergers and acquisitions consulting is perpetually dynamic, and this week is no exception. Noteworthy transactions have transpired, with Elixirr and Praecipio sealing notable deals.

Nonetheless, this field isn’t limited to these particular developments as there are a few other deals as well. So, with no further delays, let’s delve into the most recent movements within the consulting mergers and acquisitions sphere.

#1. Elixirr acquires American generative AI start-up Responsum

Just two months after establishing a partnership with Responsum, Elixirr has successfully completed the acquisition of the American generative AI company. Throughout the year 2023, Elixirr and Responsum collaborated on multiple client projects focused on implementing artificial intelligence and generative AI solutions.

Responsum, headquartered in the United States, offers a versatile platform utilized by various industries to enhance productivity, enhance the customer experience, and streamline access to internal data and reporting by their teams.

Stephen Newton, the Founder and CEO of Elixirr, remarked, “This acquisition positions us to leverage a fundamental capability while delivering the broader strategic services required to make a significant impact on our clients’ organizations.”

#2. Praecipio buys Atlassian partner Gurnet Consulting

Praecipio, an IT and business process consulting firm based in Austin, Texas, has completed the acquisition of Gurnet Consulting, an Atlassian consulting firm located in Providence, Rhode Island.

Established in 2008, Gurnet Consulting specializes in offering consulting, execution, coaching, and training services for the Atlassian platform. Their range of consulting services encompasses strategic planning, business process optimization, change management, and agile delivery.

This acquisition by Praecipio represents a strategic move to strengthen the firm’s presence in the Northeastern region of the United States. Although the financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed, Praecipio anticipates that it will solidify their position as the leading provider of Atlassian products and enterprise transformation services in both the United States and Canada.

#3. HKA purchases ASQ Consulting Group

HKA, a prominent global firm specializing in risk assessment and dispute resolution, has completed the acquisition of ASQ Consulting Group, an economy-focused financial advisory company based in Houston.

Established in 2014 by founders Thomas Britven and Doug Ellis, ASQ Consulting Group is renowned for its expert witness services and litigation support, with a particular emphasis on intellectual property (IP), patents, and trade secrets.

The firm has a notable track record, having been involved in numerous cases in both federal and state courts, as well as before the International Trade Commission. ASQ’s experts have provided testimony in legal proceedings across the United States and Canada, including court cases, arbitrations, and mediations.

HKA’s acquisition of ASQ will significantly enhance its capabilities in the fields of forensic accounting, commercial damages assessment, and intellectual property matters. This strategic move will also strengthen HKA’s expertise in fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory (FRAND) licensing practices.

#4. American Software sells IT consulting unit to Marathon TS

Atlanta-based American Software has successfully divested its IT consulting business unit, The Proven Method, to Sterling, VA’s Marathon TS, an IT consultancy firm.

Established in 1995, The Proven Method specializes in delivering IT professional services and staffing solutions to telecommunications carriers, systems integrators, and value-added resellers. Their expertise spans various areas, including public cloud architecture, networking, unified communications, contact centers, and security.

Furthermore, The Proven Method boasts proficiency in cloud computing, custom application development, web and mobile development, business intelligence, and staffing. They offer a comprehensive range of staffing options, encompassing temporary or contract positions, contract-to-hire arrangements, and direct placement opportunities.

This strategic move by American Software (Nasdaq: AMSWA) will enable the company to concentrate on its core supply chain software business. Specifically, their operational entity, Logility, delivers a cloud-based SaaS platform tailored to prescriptive demand, inventory management, manufacturing, and supply planning tools.

#5. EHS professional services firm Cedrec joins Barbour

Cedrec Information Services, a specialized firm in environmental and bespoke legal registers, has officially joined forces with Barbour.

Founded in 1957, Barbour stands as a venerable institution in the field, renowned for delivering comprehensive guidance, legislative support, and standards to assist organizations in achieving compliance in the realm of Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS).

Barbour’s expertise extends across diverse sectors, covering health and safety, environmental considerations, energy management, estate and facility management, fire safety, mental health and well-being, as well as international standards.

On the other hand, Cedrec, with its inception in 1994 and headquarters in Gateshead, has built a substantial client base of over 1,000 international subscribers to its online service. This platform empowers users to maintain vigilance over their health and safety, environmental, energy, and planning compliance needs. Beyond this, Cedrec provides invaluable resources, including legislation, guidance, tailored legal register consultancy, and specialized training.

This strategic partnership between Cedrec and Barbour marks an exciting development, allowing Barbour to enhance its offerings for clients seeking top-tier health and safety guidance.

Closing Thoughts

We’ve immersed ourselves in the realm of consulting mergers and acquisitions, delving deep into the intricacies of this dynamic and fast-paced industry. As we conclude our coverage, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated readers for embarking on this journey with us. We trust that our insights have enhanced your comprehension of the trends and challenges within this domain.

Nevertheless, our mission remains ongoing, as we acknowledge the perpetual emergence of new developments and transactions. If there is anything we might have overlooked or if you have any feedback to share, please do not hesitate to contact us. We eagerly anticipate sharing further updates with you in the upcoming weeks. Until then, take good care and stay tuned!

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