Accenture buys Ottawa-based consultancy Avenai

Accenture has acquired Avenai, an Ottawa-based management and technology consultancy focusing on the public sector.

Founded in 2012, Avenai works with government and commercial clients in Ottawa and Toronto. The firm advises on strategy development, process improvement, IT-driven business transformation, and organizational change.

Avenai has in the past eight years grown from a team of four professionals to more than 70 employees. The firm has recorded an average revenue growth rate of over 28%, according to its website, and grown its client base by 750%.

Accenture’s acquisition of Avenai will enhance its ability to serve the digital transformation needs of public sector clients in Canada, and will significantly grow its footprint in Ottawa.

“Government organizations are at a digital transformation tipping point, with many departments and agencies rapidly moving to the cloud and embracing new ways to modernize and improve delivery models and services for Canadians,” said Mark Lambert, managing director and federal public service practice lead for Accenture in Canada. “Avenai brings a stellar consulting team that will be amplified by Accenture's global reach to support our clients' broad ambitions."

Covid-19 is forcing many organizations to accelerate their digitalization strategies, and government departments and agencies are no exception. Departments have the twin challenge of providing more government services online to keep citizens away from physical service centers, while also ensuring public servants have the technological tools to work remotely for the foreseeable future.

According to a recent PwC survey, government workers were among the least likely to say they have the necessary tools and technology to be successful at their job during the pandemic (70%) – down from 81% before the pandemic.

"Accenture and Avenai share values of delivery excellence, collaboration, and community," said Chris Brennan, Avenai's CEO and co-founder. "Our team is excited about the opportunity to bring our expertise together with Accenture's to provide the best outcomes for our clients and new opportunities for our people."

Founders Chris Brennan, Mike Scotten, and Brendan Timmins will join Accenture as managing directors in the strategy & consulting practice. They will continue to lead their team within the practice.

Accenture has more than 5,000 employees across Canada’s major metropolitan centers. The management and technology consulting firm has more than a half-million employees in 120 countries.