BDRC Group buys stake in Donald Strategy Partners

Consulting Sector – Business Research
Buyer/Seller Countries – UK/Australia
Deal Size Range - $2.5m to $5m guesstimate
Deal Announcement – November 2011

The London-based BDRC Group, the UK’s largest independent research consultancy who specialise in the financial, hospitality, leisure and culture, media and advertising, tourism, internet and government sectors, has recently announced their second major investment in the Asian Pacific market. The precedent was set in October with the launch of BDRC Asia in Singapore. The company has now expanded this network of relations further, taking a strategic stake in the Australian agency Jones Donald Strategy Partners (based in Sydney). Established in 1998, JDSP has a strong reputation in financial, retail and telecoms research and aims to help clients solve marketing and business problems within their particular area.
The company currently operates with a dozen personnel and recorded revenues of more than $3.5m for the year ending June 2011. BDRC and JDSP have developed an informal business relationship over the years, sharing ideas, techniques and occasionally, resources. As a result of the deal, this dialogue can now be formalised into a more concrete relationship: JDSP’s founder Tony Jones becomes Senior Partner at BDRC, while BDRC Continental Board Director Roger Donbavand moves to join JDSP in Australia as Managing Partner. In investing in JDSP, the BDRC Group have taken steps to respond to increasing client expectations of both regional and global capability and will now have access to more than 100 staff in the London and Singapore offices of the BDRC Group. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Reservoir Group acquires GeoSearch Logging Inc

Consulting Sector – Energy/Oil and Gas
Buyer/Seller Countries – USA/UK
Deal Size Range - Unknown
Deal Announcement – November 2011

The oilfield services company, Reservoir Group, has recently announced the acquisition of logging service company, GeoSearch Logging Inc. Headquartered in Aberdeen, the Reservoir Group aims to build a global network of businesses that specialise in a vast expanse of sectors within the oil and gas industries, from the down-hole drilling to the completion and production sectors. In acquiring GeoSearch, the Reservoir Group will be well equipped to meet their clients’ needs in areas such as geological consulting, vertical and horizontal well logging and CO2 monitoring services.  With headquarters in Oklahoma, GeoSearch is regarded as one of the largest geological and hydrocarbon well logging service companies in the US; their market influence and expertise will greatly enhance the Reservoir Group’s current portfolio of services and the innovative technologies they are equipped to provide. Currently comprised of 75 active operating units and 12 bases in the US, all 232 personnel currently employed by GeoSearch will remain in the business, but will operate under the Reservoir Group’s existing surface logging services – the brand ‘Empirica’. As a result of the acquisition, Empirica will increase their employee size significantly, benefitting from 150 units and 450 personnel operating globally from its existing facility in Houston.

Mott MacDonald acquires Mouchel’s Gas Pipeline Business

Consulting Sector – Energy
Buyer/Seller Countries – Global/UK
Deal Size Range - $2.5 to $5m guesstimate
Deal Announcement – November 2011

The employee-owned management, engineering and development consultancy that serves the public and private sectors, Mott MacDonald, has announced the acquisition of Mouchel Energy Ltd, a company which offers specific industrial expertise in the UK gas sector.  As a diverse $1.5m global consultancy that works across 12 core business areas, Mott MacDonald stands as one of the world’s largest employee-owned companies, with over 1400 staff, principal offices in nearly 50 countries and running projects in 140.  By acquiring Mouchel Energy (which has an employee quota of 50 fulltime staff), Mott MacDonald will be in a strong position to consolidate a strong base n the UK gas pipeline business, which it will in turn develop into a hub of expertise and knowledge, to benefit customer groups worldwide. Based in Hinckley, Leicestershire, Mouchel Energy specialises in providing innovative solutions and customer service to help clients provide a safe, efficient and economical energy supply across the UK and around the globe. Mott MacDonal and Mouchel Energy share a preoccupation in environmental sustainability; this shared vision is essential to the reasoning behind the deal.

Swisscom IT Services acquires the EFP Group and the Cirrus Group in an integrating Deal

Consulting Sector – IT Services/SAP
Buyer/Seller Countries – Switzerland
Deal Size Range - Unknown
Deal Announcement – November 2011

With the view to integrating the two groups into existing SAP Services division, Swisscom IT Services has recently announced the acquisition of the EFP Group and The Cirrus group. The two mergers will strengthen Swisscom IT Services’ expertise in the public administration, trade and industry, transport and energy supply sectors.  As a result of the acquisitions, the SAP Services division, which will continue to be headed up by Bruno Schmid as CEO, expects to generate revenue of more than $136.9m in the coming year. The EFP Group offers a wealth of consulting expertise in a broad range of sectors; from industry, trade, electricity, gas and water, to business knowledge of the food industry and competencies in supply chain management.  The EFP Group currently employs 70 staff members across Switzerland and consists of four separate companies: EFP Consulting AG, EFM Consulting AG, B1 Consulting AG and Athon SA.
Well established in the public and private sectors, The Cirrus Group is an acknowledged provider of solutions for project and portfolio management, as well as SAP cloud services.  It is acknowledged within the industry as an early adaptor and market leader in the SAP and HP environment that integrates classic corporate consulting into an IT framework in a focussed and targeted manner. With offices in Zurich and Berne, The Cirrus Group has always been a 100% self-financed company and currently comprises of 70 employees.
The recruitment of the EFP Group and The Cirrus Group, is part of a systematic strategy on behalf of Swisscom IT services to greatly improve its market stronghold and to become one of the top three Swiss SAP suppliers. All in all, by developing and expanding their expertise in a vast array of different industries, Swisscom IT Services will be in a strong position to improve their corporate customer business.

Healthcare Software Company acquires Healthcare Consulting Firm

Consulting Sector – IT Services/Healthcare
Buyer/Seller Countries – USA
Deal Size – Unknown
Deal Announcement – November 2011

A new healthcare software maker was created late last month as a result of the Irvine-based Analytix On Demand Inc. acquiring the healthcare consulting firm Integrated Revenue Management Inc. The terms of the deal weren’t released. Originally based in Carlsbad, California, Integrated Revenue works in a space of ‘revenue cycle management’, which aims to assist hospitals and other healthcare institutions get paid. The company has assisted more than 100 client hospitals in recovering more than $1 billion in revenue. Similarly, the newly formed CentraMed Inc. bills its software as a way for hospitals to add 2-3% to their bottom lines.  Formed in a bid to push growth in a fundamental sector of the healthcare technology market, growing market sales of software for revenue cycle management, consulting and several other functions are expected to grow from $37 billion to $59 billion by 2014. The merging of the two companies grew out of an existing business relationship, as previous to the deal Integrated Revenue Management had provided expert-based consultancy alongside Analytix’s strong business partnerships. CentraMed continues to develop software to support clients as they deal with the federal healthcare bill signed in 2010; in fact, the company plans to double its current employee count of 60 within 18 months. It is also poised to sign a deal with a large medical supplier that will bring it into about 450 hospitals.

Cardno Limited acquires Humphrey Reynolds Perkins

Consulting Sector – Engineering/Environmental
Buyer/Seller Countries – Australia
Deal Size Range – $10m guesstimate
Deal Announcement – November 2011

The international infrastructure and environment services group, Cardno Limited announced the acquisition of the Humphrey Reynolds Perkins group of companies, which are focussed in planning and environmental consultancy and based in Brisane, Queensland. The acquisition also includes the Chenoweth Environmental Planning and Landscape Architecture business, which currently exists as a subsidiary firm to HRP. Prior to the merger, Cardno Limited, who operate with a strong regional focus, which complements their specialist teams in major cities, comprises of 4600 employees in over 180 offices across projects in 85 countries. They can expect to gain approximately $11m in annual revenue and $3m in EBIT as a result of the acquisition. They will pay $13.25m for HRP and the deal will came into effect on the 1st November. In acquiring HRP, Cardno aims to continue the strategy of diversification as a means to generate further growth and cross selling with the company’s long running consultancy services in the transport, urban infrastructure and resources markets. The resulting businesses of the deal will be branded Cardno HRP and Cardno Chenoweth.  The founding partner and Director of HRP is also confident that the acquisition by Cardno will enable HRP to diversify and maximise their services to new and existing clients, gain leverage from Cardno’s existing clients and work in yet unexplored areas drawing on Cardno’s broad geographical presence. The deal will be funded by an approximate mix of 75% cash and 25% shares, with around 620, 000 shares issued at a price of $5.34.

FfastFill plc Announces Acquisition of WTD Consulting, Inc.
 
Consulting Sector – IT Services/Financial Services
Buyer/Seller Countries – USA
Deal Size Range – $5m guesstimate
Deal Announcement – November 2011

London-based firm FfastFill plc, one of the leading software providers to the global derivatives community that supports over 80 financial institutions worldwide, recently announced that it has entered into a conditional asset purchase agreement to acquire the trade and assets of Chicago-based technology consulting and software solutions company, WTD Consulting, Inc. For the year ending 30 June 2011, WTD consulting generated revenue of $8m, with a subsequent profit of $1m. The revenue covers both software and development revenue (50%) and consulting services (50%). While opening up FfastFill’s capacity for influence within the U.S market, the technology consulting services offered by WTD Consulting, such as their extensive post-trade processing and consulting experience in exchange traded derivatives (ETD) and over-the-counter (OTC) markets, will maximise FfastFill’s leverage across a global customer base. The resulting merger will mean a company with a broader portfolio of services and products, designed to support a solid global infrastructure. The employee quota for the resulting company will also increase considerably, as the acquisition will add 40 members of staff based in Chicago to the FfastFill team. FfastFill will also benefit from WTD’s customer base of 30 firms, including a number of global banks. The structure of the acquisition comprises of an initial $7.0m payable on completion (the ‘Initial Consideration’) and a deferred consideration of up to $5.0, which will be released according to the achievement of certain performance objectives (the “Deferred Consideration”). The Deferred Consideration would be paid 50% in cash and 50% in Ordinary Shares. The maximum consideration of the deal therefore stands at $12m, with the transaction expected to close no later than the 2nd December.

The Avascent Group acquires the Client Relationships of KittyHawk Partners

Consulting Sector – Business and Technology/Government
Buyer/Seller Countries – USA
Deal Size Range – Unknown
Deal Announcement – November 2011

Headquartered in Washington DC, the Avascent Group (formerly DFI Corporate Services) is the leading provider of business consulting services to firms operating in the business and technology industries, and firms operating within the area of government policy. The Washington centred team of 70 full-time professionals is supported by a worldwide network of regional experts. Commencing as soon as December 2011, KittyHawk partners (based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado) will transition its existing client roster to Avascent as a result of the acquisition. KittyHawk has been successful in developing and nurturing a broad range of consulting relationships in a variety of different business sectors: from commercial aerospace and defence to telecommunications. The addition of KittyHawk’s customer relationships will further strengthen Avascent’s performance as the leading management and strategy consultancy for companies working in these and other government-oriented markets. It will undoubtedly bolster and confirm their global presence, being well positioned to offer a depth of customer of service and a wealth of rigorous consulting methodologies. The transition of KittyHawk’s business links and key members of staff, particularly Alexandre Schoder – an influential principal at KittyHawk, to Avascent’s portfolio of services is an important merger given the current climate of unprecedented change as a result of global business’ regulatory pressures.

Advice Interactive Group has acquired DigitalAge Consulting Inc.

Consulting Sector – Marketing
Buyer/Seller Countries – USA
Deal Size Range - <$5m guesstimate
Deal Announcement – November 2011

Dallas based internet marketing firm, Advice Interactive Group, have this week bought the Florida based DigitalAge Consulting, a company that specializes in local search engine optimization and market research strategies designed for regional business seeking an online presence and competitive edge. While only formed two years ago, DigitalAge have optimized over 1,000 local business listings for global search engine requirements, together with a 100% success rate. As a result of the deal, SEO firm Advice Interactive Group will benefit from the technical expertise and industrial depth of knowledge DigitalAge can provide. This will in turn expand and develop its own services within the field of geo-targeted SEO marketing.

Rejlers acquires the business activity of design and consulting services from Ramboll Finland

Consulting Sector – Energy
Buyer/Seller Countries – Finland
Deal Size Range - $5m to $10m guesstimate
Deal Announcement – November 2011

Based in Finland and a subsidiary of Rejlers, Rejlers Oy has acquired the business activity of design and consulting services in the industrial and energy sectors, specifically automation and electricity, from Ramboll Finland Oy, in a deal that will be fully realized on 1st February 2012. The acquired business is valued at an annual turnover of $7.4m for 2011 and is comprised of 70 employees. Rejlers will also benefit from the business activity Ramboll Finland acquired from Jyvästek Oy. The acquisition will enhance Rejlers’ capacity to provide technical consulting services to the industry and energy customer groups. It will also widen the services Rejlers offers in Finland considerably. As a result of the deal, Rejlers will consist of 430 employees based in Finland. The predominant goal for Rejlers is to employ at least 2015 members of staff and have a turnover of at least SEK 2015 million by 2015, through the implementation of a recruitment plan and strategic acquisition methods.

Teralight has acquired  Hedra Technology Consultants

Consulting Sector – IT Services
Buyer/Seller Countries – Global/Asia
Deal Size Range - Unknown
Deal Announcement – November 2011

Teralight Ltd., a global consulting and technology managed company with offices in Dubai, Islamabad, Beirut and the United States, has recently announced the acquisition of Hedra Technology Consultants, an increasingly influential system integrator, started in 2005, working within IT, telecommunication, education and broadcast industries. The rationale behind the deal is centred on the technological expertise that Hedra Technology Consultants (their headquarters in Islamabad) can provide, which, it is believed, will strengthen Teralight’s market influence regarding the latest technological product. In turn, this will further expand Teralight’s consulting expertise within the matrix of telecommunications, especially since Hedra is located in the SAMENA region (South Asia, Middle East, North Africa) region, where the telecommunication industry is experiencing a boom of growth and revitalized development in both urban and rural markets, within their respective nations.

RINA acquires Engineering Consulting Company D’Appolinia

Consulting Sector – Marine
Buyer/Seller Countries – Global/Italy
Deal Size Range –  >$50m guesstimate
Deal Announcement – November 2011

The internationally renowned Royal Institution of Naval Architects, whose members work in the design, construction, maintenance and operation of marine vessels and structures, and are represented in various maritime organisations in over 90 countries, has recently added to its burgeoning portfolio of expertise. By procuring control of the D’Appolonia Group, a global engineering consultancy firm with headquarters in Genoa, the RINA society has almost doubled its group turnover and has strengthened and diversified its range of services offered in the port development and offshore fields. Within this sector, D’Appolonia benefits from key skills in site engineering, geophysical surveys, seismic hazard evaluation, coastal engineering and environmental impact assessment, and has contributed to various global projects recently, including the Esso Highlands Papua New Guinea project. The engagement of D’Appolina will add a depth of engineering expertise, together with safe environmental methods. With an annual turnover of $119m and 580 members of staff, working across many different sectors, RINA has vastly increased its market influence and capability as a result of the deal.

Windea Offshore and Business Technology Consulting joint venture in offshore wind energy

Consulting Sector – Energy
Buyer/Seller Countries – Germany
Deal Size Range – N/A JV
Deal Announcement – November 2011

The Hamburg based company Windea Offshore currently offers logistics services relating to the energy supply and performance of offshore wind turbines. This provides the EMS Maritime Offshore service and crew transfer to the designated ship and area of port management. The BTC Wind Farm Centre operates in a coordinating capacity, planning the correct method of conduct for particular offshore operations and specializing in geographic information systems and network management. Headquartered in Oldenburg, the BTC is one of the largest IT consulting companies in Germany with total 2010 annual revenue of $225.5m and 1659 employees. Together, these two companies will design a future planning tool and control service for an Offshore Coordination Centre. This will ensure a central site of delegation and demand, supported by an I.T system based on the one used by BTC centre, to ensure all operational and logistical activities on land, sea and air are carried out successfully.

Barona Group acquires Saranen Consulting

Consulting Sector – Human Resources
Buyer/Seller Countries – Finland
Deal Size Range - <$5m guesstimate
Deal Announcement – November 2011

On the 14th November 2011, the Barona Group, the privately owned staffing and outsourcing company with offices in Finland, Russia, Sweden and Estonia, and one of the largest employers in Finland, announced the successful acquisition of Saranen Consulting Oy, an HR management services provider specializing in advanced and innovative recruitment concepts. By adding Saranen Consulting Oy to its already developed HR services, the Barona Group will be well positioned to serve the Finnish ICT business with a higher degree of industrial know-how, as well as expanding its range of services in areas such as resourcing, recruitment, international work forces, growth leaders consultation and recruitment training. In 2010, the Barona Group generated revenues of $163.7m, with profits estimated at $36,145 – up from a loss of $92,6380 the preceding year. According to a report in Staffing Industry Analysts on the influential staffing companies in Finland, Barona is now the market leader.  As a result of the deal, Saranen Consulting can also expect to benefit, as it hopes to generate revenues of $5.35m in 2011.