Softcat acquires Leeds-based data consultancy Oakland
Leeds-based data and digital consulting firm Oakland has been acquired by Softcat, a major IT infrastructure and services provider.
Founded in Leeds, Oakland has carved out a strong reputation for delivering data-driven transformations, working with clients across sectors. The firm has around 60 staff and award-winning expertise in areas such as data strategy, data engineering, data governance, advanced analytics, and data transformation.
In a deal worth an initial £8 million, with further contingent payments over the next three years depending on performance, Oakland has now been acquired by Softcat.
Richard Corderoy, CEO of Oakland, called the deal a “significant milestone” for the business. “We are excited to join forces with Softcat,” he said. “By combining our deep expertise in data and AI consulting with Softcat’s extensive portfolio and market presence, we can deliver unparalleled value and innovation to our clients. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our journey, and we’re looking forward to achieving great things together.”
Softcat is one of the UK’s largest value-added resellers (VAR) of IT services. The company aims to expand its offerings into advisory, in order to provide its customer with an end-to-end service in the rapidly evolving technology domain.
“Data is one of the biggest opportunities ahead of us as the innovation in technology continues to shift rapidly towards a more automated and AI-driven world,” said Graham Charlton, CEO of Softcat. “Our customers need the right expertise to navigate this so combining our broad portfolio with Oakland will allow us to support them at every stage. Joining forces with Oakland is a great fit with our strategy and, most importantly, our culture.”
Standalone business
As part of the transaction, Oakland (which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year) will initially continue to operate as a standalone operating unit within Softcat. Over the “next few years”, the two companies will operate a phased plan to bring the two businesses closer together.
