Moorhouse Consulting joins forces with SQS and Assystem Technologies

Moorhouse Consulting has been acquired by Software Quality Systems. Following SQS’ own acquisition by Assystem Technologies, the trio will now combine to form a new entity, offering up a holistic end-to-end transformation package for a world-wide client base.

Established in 2004, Moorhouse is a transformation consultancy which works to deliver complex transformational projects in key areas including strategic design, change management, customer journey improvement, digital and technology transformations, post-merger & acquisition integration, programme management and performance improvement. Recently, the firm’s position in the sector was underlined when it was listed as one of the top 25 healthcare consultancies in the UK – as the NHS continues to engage the consulting industry in order to eke out potential savings.

Now, Software Quality Company (SQS), a IT company headquartered in Cologne, with another office in Utrecht, has agreed to acquire Moorhouse for an undisclosed fee. SQS is one of the market leaders in delivering digital solutions servicing clients in the UK, EMEA and US, and as demand for digital transformation consulting (a $23 billion industry) shows no sign of slowing, expansion has become a necessity for the firm to meet the needs of its customers.

SQS was itself recently the subject of an acquisition, picked up by Assystem Technologies for a reported £281 million. This deal will see the three entities combine, to form a new group. The organisation, which commands a combined revenue of over €1 billion, will aim to converge digital and physical work, led through an expanding consulting division. According to the firms, the merger hopes to create a multifaceted global business, capable of delivering a holistic offering to clients based on a shared culture of technical know-how, innovation and quality service provision.

Moorhouse will also continue operate as a separate business, however, and the firm’s Partner team was keen to state its excitement about the opportunities that this new grouping will provide, as the firm looks to build on its previous growth.

According a combined statement from Moorhouse’s leadership team of Stephen Vinall, Jon Russell, Richard Goold, Richard Jones, and John Lunn, “This year we have not only increased our number of clients, but also significantly broadened the range of services we offer… This next phase of the Moorhouse journey will provide opportunities for all of us to not only develop our business, but also to continue to develop as individuals and as extraordinary leaders.”

New blend

Commenting on the firm’s sale individually, Moorhouse Partner Richard Goold added, “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.”

Diederik Vos, CEO, SQS, meanwhile said of the deal, "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.”

The UK wing of M&A advisory specialists Clearwater International supported the sell-side throughout the process. The Clearwater International team was led by Partner James Barraclough, with support from Partner Marcus Archer, Associate Directors Dan Rossington and Mark Maunsell, and Executive Gregory Cornes.

James Barraclough, Partner, Clearwater International said, “It’s been a pleasure to see Moorhouse develop as business. Having previously advised Moorhouse on the buyout from BT, it’s great to see the company realise its growth strategy, and build itself a strong platform within the consultancy market. The combination with SQS will provide a compelling offering to clients and we wish them every success in the future.”