BrazilRGP buys platform for flexible interim managers and consultants
US-headquartered consulting firm RGP has acquired expertence, a German provider of interim managers and independent consultants.
Around two years after acquiring taskforce in Germany, in a move that added some 100 partners and associated managers to its footprint, RGP has struck again in Europe’s largest economy. The purchase of expertence adds a network of more than 3,500 freelance consultants, project managers and interim managers to its database.
According to Jens Christophers, CEO of RGP in Germany, the bolt-on propels RGP into a market leading position for flexible talent sourcing. In the consulting and change segment, RGP already had a database of close to 1,500 freelance consultants, and in the interim segment, the global consulting firm had a network spanning more than 800 experienced managers. Now, “we are one of the leading providers for project management and interim services.”
The move comes at a time when traditional consulting firms are feeling the heat of freelancer networks. Clients are increasingly turning to such network for their ability to staff teams and individual roles both quickly and efficiently, for tier-one talent with similar credentials and at a significantly reduced price. According to one estimate, today between 10% and 15% of fees in Germany’s consulting market flow through the hands of matchmaking platforms and intermediaries.
“Adding expertence into our operation will enable us to serve our clients’ most pressing business needs. Through the platform, we offer a highly efficient process to help companies and hiring managers find the right talent,” said Christophers, who leads RGP’s German wing together with Kristin Gölkel and Helge Lautenbach.
As part of the integration, Uwe Sunkel – he founded expertence in 2016 – will join RGP. He will lead RGP Germany’s operational business and be responsible for expanding the company’s digital platform and further developing its existing business relationships.
Sunkel stated, “As a global player, RGP is the ideal partner. By combining RGP’s network and global brand footprint, with our German know-how and technology leadership, together we can achieve a new level of performance not only in the local market, but across Europe. This is a clear benefit for our clients and consultants.”
The deal marks RGP’s third deal this year. In September, the firm sold its Nordics business to Swedish consulting firm Capacent, and one month earlier, RGP acquired digital transformation firm Veracity Consulting Group in the United States.
