BrazilGermany’s SQS acquires UK consultancy Moorhouse Consulting
Having been acquired by Assystem Technologies for just over £280 million late last year, German software consultancy SQS has undergone yet another major structural change. Under its new backers, the firm has now acquired UK-based business transformation firm Moorhouse Consulting.
Founded in Cologne in 1982, SQS was conceptualised as a consulting firm that would support the business world with software solutions in particular. The firm soon came to be regarded as among the leading independent quality assurance specialists; a position that it has leveraged to form strong partnerships in the domain of strategic quality and technology risk.
Within the broad scope of software solutions, SQS’ offerings have gradually evolved over the years, in accordance with the global digital environment, to incorporate solutions in automation, AI, Agile techniques, governance, training, and even management consulting over the most recent phase of expansion.
In December last year, SQS was wholly acquired by Paris-based engineering consultancy Assystems Technologies for $281.3 million. The acquisition was made with the objective of strengthening Assystems Technologies’ software practice, and more importantly its geographic reach, given that SQS has operations in Germany, the US, the UK, and a particularly strong operation in India with 1,800 employees.
The merged entities had a cumulative revenue figure of €1 billion and a workforce of around 14,000 employees; both of which are now set to expand even further. Now under the direction of Assystems Technologies, SQS has acquired London-based strategy consulting firm Moorhouse.
Moorhouse was founded in 2004 in London, offering consultancy services with a unique emphasis on long-term client relationships. In essence, the firm offers solutions in the change management domain, helping clients with their long-term objectives through big-picture strategy and progressive changes in company culture.
Among the business transformation services offered by Moorhouse, the firm has begun to place growing emphasis in the digital domain, leveraging technology to help companies with comprehensive operational optimisation.
These capabilities will now be leveraged by the collective entity formed through the merged operations of Assystems, SQS, and Moorhouse. Commenting on joining the SQS banner, Partner at Moorhouse, Richard Goold said, “In combining with SQS we will be creating a true ‘transformation leader’ that converges the digital and physical worlds, providing assurance across products and processes, from design to physical build. We are delighted to be joining with a business that shares our passion for delivering technical excellence, continued innovation and the highest standards of client service.”
Consulting services in the software and digital solutions domain are set to grow across Europe, particularly as advancement in these domains is set to disrupt major industries such as the telecom sector or the logistics industry. The new entity will hope to offer comprehensive solutions in this sphere to clients across Europe, and all over the world.
Diederik Vos, CEO of SQS commented; “The acquisition of Moorhouse Consulting, an organisation which already has an outstanding and established reputation in the UK, gives us the capability to support companies’ urgent needs to transform from strategy through to delivery, reacting quickly to market changes without sacrificing quality. We warmly welcome the highly talented team to SQS and look forward to continuing to build upon Moorhouse’s client base and excellent reputation.”
German - UK deal
In another recent deal between German and UK parties, the German arm of EY acquired London-headquartered OC&C Strategy Consultants' local operation in the country, integrating the acquired unit into EY-Parthenon.
