Technology consultancy Nimble joins SCC
Technology services firm SCC has purchased software advisory group Nimble approach for an undisclosed fee. The deal was advised upon by consultants from professional services firms including Alantra and Grant Thornton.
Launched in 2016, Nimble Approach is a 150-person technology consultancy, that helps organisations around the world create digital products and services greater than they thought possible. The Sheffield-headquartered firm will now operate in partnership with SCC, in a deal which allows both companies to accelerate their expansion, helping customers leverage technology products, solutions, and innovations to shape, execute, and operate their digital transformation journeys.
Founded in 1975 with significant footprints in the UK, France, and Spain, SCC is working to evolve from its reseller roots, to offer services in line with technology innovations and customer demand. The purchase of Nimble marks the latest step in SCC’s efforts to that end – and what it calls its ‘Digital Solutions and Services Provider’ (DSSP) strategy – to build a 2,000-person European digital consultancy within the decade.
“For decades, our customers across Europe have trusted us to bring value and support in their technology environments,” said SCC EMEA CEO James Rigby. “The investment in Nimble – alongside organic investments we have already made in the areas of cloud, cybersecurity, and digital workplace – will enable SCC to bring that same trust and value as they embark on digital transformation journeys.”
SCC will operate Nimble as a separate company under guidance of CEO Chris Roberts and the current Nimble management team, with additional strategy support to be provided by senior SCC executives. While Nimble bolsters SCC’s offering, then, the move will also help Nimble to engage with SCC’s global network of public and private sector clients, and expand its reach across Europe in the process.
Roberts noted, “Partnering with SCC gives us rocket fuel to grow Nimble both in the UK and beyond. This gives Nimblers an even bigger playing field to deliver innovation across our current capabilities and to consider new areas where we can help customers accelerate their transformation, including AI.”
Terms of the investment were not disclosed. SCC’s advisors for the move included Eversheds Sutherland and professional services firm Grant Thornton. Meanwhile, Nimble was advised by Squire Patton Boggs and global investment banking firm Alantra.
Alantra’s UK technology team, including Simon Roberts, Joe Bills and Oliver Wratten, worked on the deal. According to a release from the firm, it was Alantra’s 12th technology consultancy transaction it has completed in 2023, and despite the broader M&A market slowing, the company sees “no slowdown in momentum with ongoing interest in high-quality digital engineering businesses from both private equity and a broad range of strategic acquirers”.
Alantra Director Simon Roberts added, “It has been a pleasure advising Chris, Dan and the rest of the team on this transaction. The Nimblers have built a great business focused on client-centricity and time-to-value, alongside a supportive and engaging employee culture. The team has found a great home in SCC and we look forward to seeing the continued growth of Nimble and the ongoing synergies between the businesses.”
Earlier in 2023, Alantra also played a key role in the deal which saw Accenture agree to purchaseObjectivity. Alantra professionals supported Objectivity shareholders throughout the transaction.
