Accenture buys controlling stake in German design studio SinnerSchrader

19 April 2017 Consultancy.uk

Accenture has acquired a controlling stake in Germany-based SinnerSchrader, significantly boosting the Accenture Interactive's presence in the design space across the DACH region. The acquisition sees more than 500 professionals, including creatives, consultants and developers, integrated into Accenture Interactive's wider offering of end-to-end customer experience journeys.

SinnerSchrader is a Hamburg-based digital design agency. The agency, which was founded in 1996 and floated on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in 1999, focuses on the design and development of digital products and service. The firm, which has more than 125 creatives, 125 consultants and 250 developers, supports a range of high-level clients, including BMW and McDonald's, with the challenges faced by, among others, changes in consumer sentiment and behaviour, and technological development. The firm has offices in Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Hanover and Prague.

In line with wider trends in the consultancy market, Accenture has in recent years expanded its reach into the design space, setting up Accenture Interactive, and among others, acquiring and integrating agencies like Fjord and take a majority stake in IMJ Corporation.

Accenture acquires controlling stake in SinnerSchrader

The acquisition of a controlling stake, 62% of shares, in SinnerSchrader further underscores the firm’s presence in the space, as well as significantly increasing its respective expertise and capabilities for clients. Through the creation of an integrated offering between the companies, the firm hopes to offer an end-to-end services offering in the customer experience space.

The deal, which has received clearance from antitrust authorities, involved an offer of €9 per share, which represents a 58% premium on the agency’s volume weighted trade price over the past 12-months. The offer acceptance period ends on May 8; the agency’s management and supervisory board have recommended “to accept the offer of Accenture in their statement pursuant to §27 WPÜG on April 6, 2017.”

Remarking on the acquisition, Rainer Balensiefer, head of Accenture Interactive for the DACH area, remarks, “Together, we are building Accenture Interactive as the leading agency for a holistic customer experience offering in Germany that helps clients digitally transform in an experience-led economy. We are committed to preserving SinnerSchrader’s interdisciplinary culture and studio network which will be crucial to drive the expansion of Accenture Interactive across Germany.”

SinnerSchrader CEO, SinnerSchrader, will take the helm of Accenture Interactive in Germany, Austria and Switzerland following the closure of the deal, says, “Our work and our clients will benefit greatly from this unique combination. Linking SinnerSchrader’s proven digital expertise to Accenture Interactive’s connected offering and truly global network will unlock next-generation customer experience and digital transformation services for companies and brands in Germany. Becoming part of Accenture Interactive also means exciting new opportunities for our talent.”

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