Accenture has beefed up its technology consulting capabilities in the DACH region with SKS Group, an SAP consultancy focused on the banking sector.
The deal builds on a string of investments Accenture has closed of late aimed at bolstering its European banking consulting business, following the purchase of Allgemeines Rechenzentrum (Austria; 600 staff), BCS Consulting (United Kingdom; 250 staff), and Exton Consulting (France 150 staff).
SKS Group adds a team of around 500 professionals to Accenture. They operate out of eight offices across Germany and Austria, with headquarters in Hochheim (just outside of Frankfurt).
Founded in 1999, SKS Group helps banks with the development, implementation, and operation of SAP solutions for core banking services and analytics. SKS Group also has a suite of risk, regulatory services and compliance services, as well as a number of proprietary solutions.
“With SKS Group’s deep industry knowledge and technology expertise, we will be in an even stronger position to help banks modernize their legacy technology and manage risk,” said Christina Raab, market unit lead for Accenture in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
David Cordero, who leads Accenture’s Banking industry group in Europe, added “SKS Group’s solutions and skills will bolster our ability to transform banks’ core business functions, enabling them to operate more efficiently, make better use of their data and develop new products faster. “
The deal is Accenture’s first this year in Europe. Over the past three years, the firm closed more than 20 transactions in the region across its consulting, technology and outsourcing business units.
Meanwhile, for SKS Group, the joining of forces will “bolster its services towards clients and provide our people with exciting new opportunities,” said Martin Schuhmann, managing director of the German SAP consultancy.