Accenture finds Context for security M&A spree
Services giant snaps up UK-based Context Information Security to its growing security portfolio
Management consultancy giant Accenture has purchased London-based Context Information Security for an undisclosed fee from former owners Babcock International Group.
Context is a cybersecurity consultancy and claims to be one of the "most recognisable and respected" security providers in the UK and in global financial services.
It specialises in high-end cyber defence, intelligence-driven red team, vulnerability research and incident response services. It employs over 250 people and also has offices in Germany, the US and Australia.
The consultancy generated revenue of £26m for its year ending 31 March 2019.
Accenture stated that its latest addition will strengthen its own cyber defence portfolio, which has been bolstered in recent years by the acquisitions of Symantec's Cybersecurity Services unit, Deja vu Security, iDefense, Maglan, Redcore, Arismore and FusionX.
"This acquisition is an excellent match for us, combining a group of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals globally while providing differentiated services to clients in the U.K. market," said Kelly Bissell, a senior managing director at Accenture, who leads Accenture Security.
"The deal signals continued aggressive growth for Accenture Security and gives us a new branch of talented family members to help clients grow their business with confidence and resilience."
Nick Taylor, UKI lead at Accenture Security, added: "Context has a remarkable set of cybersecurity skills, capabilities and reputation in the UK as well as in the international financial services industry to complement the growth we have already driven for more than a decade in this market.
"We are excited to welcome this talented group of professionals that share a common vision of providing world-class cybersecurity to our clients."
Context's customer base ranges across a number of industries, including financial services, government and critical infrastructure.
Mark Raeburn, Context CEO, stated: "We are excited about the opportunity to become part of the Accenture family.
"Combining our skills and expertise under one roof to help us do more for our clients and create more opportunities for our people was an easy decision. Accenture's industry-focused approach across adversary simulation, red teaming, incident response and more, matches Context's own strategy.
"Accenture's family culture is a great fit for Context. We're genuinely excited to join forces to help clients better defend themselves against the world's most advanced adversaries."