Accenture acquisition to expand digital consulting capabilities

Retailers are poised to benefit from a new deal between Accenture and Javelin Group, a UK-based retail strategy consulting and digital transformation services provider.

The acquisition will expand the capabilities of Accenture Strategy to help the world’s leading retailers and consumer brands accelerate their digital transformation. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, and completion of the acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

“The acquisition of the Javelin Group will help Accenture Strategy reinforce our ability to deliver large scale transformation in the retail industry,” said Mark Knickrehm, group chief executive, Accenture Strategy. “It will also strengthen the portfolio of industry knowledge and digital capabilities that makes Accenture Strategy increasingly relevant in a market demanding sector specific strategies and solutions.”

Javelin Group is a specialist integrated retail strategy and digital transformation consulting firm, employing more than 160 people and generating approximately half its revenues outside the UK. It offers a range of strategy services including digital market assessment and potential evaluation, digital performance improvement, omni-channel retail planning, retail analytics, supply chain fulfilment and operations, as well as location and international expansion strategy. It also provides digital technology consulting and systems implementation and support services.

“Accenture anticipates continued strong demand for strategy services in the retail market as new technologies raise consumer expectations and transform the fulfilment of products and services across multiple channels,” said Chris Donnelly, Retail Industry Strategy lead, Accenture Strategy. “Javelin Group’s unique set of integrated strategy, consulting and implementation capabilities will help us support clients through their entire digital transformation journey.”

Following completion of the acquisition, Accenture Strategy will be able to offer a broader range of digital capabilities to shape innovative retail strategies and support the execution of large scale change. The combination of Javelin Group’s skills and Accenture’s global reach and industry expertise will enhance Accenture Strategy’s ability to serve a fast growing international retail market.

“Javelin Group has established itself as a leading specialist provider of consulting and technology services to retailers in Europe and beyond,” said Tony Stockil, CEO of Javelin Group. “As digital technologies intensify the scale of the challenges and opportunities facing consumer brands and retailers, the combination of Accenture’s global reach and digital transformation capabilities and Javelin Group’s specialist retail expertise will bring new value to those businesses.”