Accenture acquires digital provide chain consultancy REPL
Global consulting giant Accenture has acquired UK-based technology consultancy REPL. The move comes as Accenture seeks to strengthen its capabilities in the retail and related industries as customers there look to revamp their supply chains after the last year of disruption.
The past 12 months have been a nightmare for retailers – especially those with large brick and mortar presences on UK Main Street. After the suspension of the lockdown months, it is now clear that the pandemic will also have far-reaching ramifications for retail sourcing, as it served as a wake-up call for those with a fragile supply chain and prompted retailers around the world to investigate every step of their global supply chain .
To support customers in this phase of adaptation, the international consulting firm Accenture has acquired a technology consultancy specializing in solutions for the supply chain, human resource management, business operations and the customer experience in retail. The acquisition of REPL, which will be completed for an undisclosed fee, expands Accenture’s capabilities to help customers in retail and related industries transform their supply chains and operations and deliver seamless customer and employee experiences.
Doug Blyth, Managing Director of Accenture Technology in the UK and Ireland, said, “With Covid-19 permanently disrupting the retail landscape, companies need technology more than ever to embrace change and deliver products to customers where and when they want REPL is 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 needs. “
REPL was founded in 2007 and has four offices in the UK – including headquarters in Henley-In-Arden and additional locations in London, Warwick and Leeds – as well as in the USA, South Africa and Germany. In the 14 years of its existence, REPL has built strong relationships with key ecosystem partners, including Blue Yonder, and is recognized as a Gold Consulting Partner in Blue Yonder’s partner network. The approximately 440-strong REPL team will strengthen Accenture’s functional focus on Supply Chain & Operations in order to meet the demand for cloud-based solutions from Blue Yonder. Accenture was recently named Global Partner of the Year for Customer Excellence to help customers with customer-centric supply chain transformations.
Mike Callender, Founder and Chairman of REPL, said, “Accenture and REPL are strongly aligned with a range of complementary retail and supply chain functions. Being part of Accenture offers fantastic opportunities for our employees and customers as we combine our expertise, people-first 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. “
Recently, Accenture has steadily expanded its multi-faceted advisory service through a sustainable purchasing campaign. REPL is the fourth acquisition Accenture made in the UK in 2021, after purchasing Cirrus in early March and enhancing Accenture’s digital advisory capabilities in the UK with the arrival of Edenhouse and Infinity Works in February.
