PwC buys Ottawa cybersecurity firm Avaleris
PwC Canada has acquired Avaleris Inc., an Ottawa-based boutique cybsecurity consulting firm.
Founded in 2006, Avaleris provides security, hybrid identity, and access management solutions with a focus on the Microsoft cloud environment. The firm’s offerings span identity and cybersecurity strategy, IT security policies and procedures, design and deployment of solutions, security training, and managed services.
Avaleris’ more than 30-person team has supported government clients and commercial firms in finance, energy, retail, and telecom.
PwC’s acquisition of Avaleris will strengthen the firm’s cybersecurity unit, which has approximately 300 people nationwide. Demand for cybersecurity services has increased as rapid pandemic-driven digitalization and cloud migrations have expanded threat surfaces. According to PwC’s 2021 survey of Canadian CEOs, cyber threats were identified as the second greatest threat to organizations – after the pandemic.
“PwC is thrilled to welcome the Avaleris team to PwC,” said Saj Nair, partner & national technology & cloud leader, PwC Canada. “Their work has proven to build a strong reputation with clients, as well as a longstanding strategic partnership with Microsoft.”
The PwC global network earlier this year announced its “New Equation” strategy, which is targeting $12 billion in investment over the next five years and the addition of 100,000 people to its current 284,000 employees. Focus areas include ESG and digital capabilities – including cloud, AI, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies.
“Our team of talented and innovative cybersecurity professionals are thrilled to join the PwC team and take on new challenges and opportunities for growth,” said Ron Mac Donell, president and CEO, Avaleris Inc. “Given the strong alignment of our culture and values, PwC clients will continue to benefit from the innovations and unparalleled capabilities they have come to expect.”
PwC Canada has more than 7,000 employees across the country providing assurance, tax, and consulting services.
The Big Four firm earlier this month announced a vaccine mandate and a hybrid work model.
