Avanade snaps up Surrey-based AI specialist
Systems integrator acquires Microsoft partner Altius for data performance management and AI expertise
Systems integrator Avanade has gobbled up Godalming-based Microsoft Azure specialist Altius for an undisclosed sum.
Altius was established in 1992 and specialises in data performance management and AI solutions. It caters to a number of sectors, including retail, travel and transport, energy and the public sector. It reported a turnover of £24.5m for its year ending 31 December 2018. It also counts Oracle and Tableau among its vendor partners.
Microsoft-focused Avanade stated that the addition of Altius will bring "additional depth" of expertise to its managed services and data visualisation capabilities, as well as boost its ability to deliver AI at scale.
"Harnessing the power of data for business growth is a well-documented opportunity, so we're delighted that Altius will join us as together we continue to push the boundaries of what clients can achieve with data and AI," said Andy Gillett, general manager for Avanade UK and Ireland.
Altius CEO Simon Goldsmith added: "We are delighted to be joining Avanade and today's news truly supports the next phase of growth for our business.
"We will continue to offer our clients the leading innovative data and AI solutions we are known for, while also extending our offerings to include more business solutions."
Duncan Aitchison, research director at market watcher TechMarketView, hailed the purchase as "noteworthy" and said it marks the first acquisition of a UK-based company by Avanade since 2015.
"This purchase looks like a logical play by Avanade, which has been achieving sustained 20-plus per cent UK top-line growth over the past few years," he added.
"Over the last four years, it has purchased three smaller-scale businesses in the US, Australia and Germany. The company's last and only acquisition in this country, CloudTalent, was made in 2015. The bringing of Altius into the firm's UK fold is therefore a move of noteworthy significance."