Accenture Acquires Retail Provide Chain Expertise Consultancy REPL
Accenture has acquired Blue Yonder partner REPL Group, a UK-based technology consultancy specializing in supply chain, human resource management, branch operations and retail customer experience solutions. The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
This is Deal # 156 that ChannelE2E has covered so far in 2021. All of the technology M&A deals listed here for 2021 and 2020 are listed here.
The deal strengthens the ongoing opportunities in the vertical retail market, where companies of all sizes have aggressively shifted to online sales, mobile apps, roadside pickups and other easy-to-consume services during the coronavirus pandemic.
Both Accenture and REPL work closely with Blue Yonder, a provider of software for the digital supply chain. REPL was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Henley-In-Arden, UK. Further offices are in London, Warwick and Leeds in Great Britain as well as in the USA, South Africa and Germany. The approximately 440-strong REPL team will deal with Accenture Technology.
Accenture acquisition activity
REPL is the latest in a growing list of acquisitions Accenture has made in the UK. In February, Accenture acquired SAP partner Edenhouse and Infinity Works, a cloud and digital transformation consultancy that works with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the Snowflake data cloud.
This is the fourth acquisition Accenture has announced in the past three business days. The other offers related to the purchase:
- Cirrus, a leadership and talent consultancy;
- GRA, a supply chain and logistics consultancy in Australia; and
- Pollux, a provider of industrial robotics and automation solutions.
In addition, Accenture has made more than 60 acquisitions since 2019. The transactions typically include digital transformation, big data analytics, cloud, cybersecurity, and MSSP buyouts.
Accenture acquires REPL Group: Executive Perspectives
Kris Timmermans, Accenture
Mike Callender, REPL
Doug Blyth, Accenture
In a prepared statement on the deal, Doug Blyth, General Manager at Accenture Technology in the UK and Ireland, said:
“With COVID-19 permanently disrupting the retail landscape, businesses need technology more than ever to accept change and deliver products to customers where and when they want them,” he said. “With REPL, now part of Accenture, we have significantly expanded our capabilities to help customers redefine their supply chains, people and business technologies to become more efficient and meet new customer requirements.”
Mike Callender, Founder and Chairman of REPL added:
“Accenture and REPL are closely aligned with a number of complementary retail and supply chain functions. Participation in Accenture is a fantastic opportunity for our employees and customers as we combine our expertise, approach and passion with Accenture’s deep transformation capabilities and global reach. We’re excited to come together to take technology-driven transformation to the next level for our customers. “
Conclusion Kris Timmermans, who heads Accenture’s Supply Chain & Operations practice worldwide:
“When companies rethink how to sell products in order to be more flexible and meet ever-changing demand, they need customer-centric supply chains that are resilient, efficient and responsible. The addition of REPL expands our skilled workforce and the ability to support customers on their digital supply chain transformation journeys so that Accenture can continue to deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity. “
