Sia Partners expands into Western Canada with Ethier acquisition

Sia Partners, a Paris-based management and technology consulting firm, has expanded its physical presence into Western Canada with the acquisition of Ethier, a Calgary-based management consulting firm. Sia also announced the opening of a new Vancouver location, giving it a total four Canadian offices.

Founded in 1982, Ethier is the largest independent consulting firm in Alberta, according to a release from Sia Partners. The firm’s more than 50 consultants provide advice on business strategy and transformation, operations, regulatory compliance, risk, and project delivery to clients in energy & utilities, financial services, transportation, and government. Ethier has annual revenues of approximately $10 million.

Sia's acquisition of Ethier will bring its Canadian headcount to 170+ people and its annual revenue in Canada to $22 million. Ethier managing partners Sohail Thaker, Jackie Poeckens, and Ron Loborec will join the executive committee of Sia Partners Canada. Thaker will lead Sia’s new Calgary office.

“Joining Sia Partners means being part of a global network of expertise and resources that will enhance our service capabilities, broaden business prospects, and offer new opportunities for our consultants,” said Thaker. “After 40 years of focused client service in Calgary, we are excited to offer our clients greater levels of service and innovative offerings brought about by this combination.”Ethier will also collaborate with Sia’s team members in Seattle, Texas, and Colorado, and work with clients in those markets.

“Our presence in Canada and the US will facilitate business synergies in both the East and West Coast,” said Matthieu Courtecuisse, founder and CEO of Sia Partners.

Sia aims to continue growing its Canadian footprint, with plans to surpass 250 consultants by the end of 2022.

“I am also pleased to announce the immediate creation of a new office in Vancouver,” Courtecuisse added.

France-based Sia entered the Canadian market in 2014 with the opening of a Montreal office, and followed that with the launch of a Toronto location. The firm strengthened its Canadian operations with the acquisition of Montreal-based E3 in 2018 and Toronto-based RG Advisory in 2020.

Sia has approximately 2,000 consultants across 18 countries. The firm offers a wide range of consulting services, including corporate strategy, turnaround, supply chain, marketing & sales, digital transformation, data science, and cybersecurity.