KPMG swallows up IT consultancy Xantus

NORTH West IT consultancy Xantus has been swallowed-up by business advisers KPMG for an undisclosed sum.

The £16m turnover company based at Cheadle Royal, which works with major bluechip businesses such as Boots and Heinz and government departments, has become part of KPMG’s management consulting division.

Last year Xantus – founded by chief executive Steve Watmough, opened an office in London and grew profits by more than 40% to £1.4m.

Bryan Cruickshank, head of IT advisory in KPMG’s management consulting practice, said: “Our focus is on continually improving the quality and breadth of consulting advice that we can bring to our clients, and this acquisition will help us achieve that goal. 

“Xantus is a leading player with top class credentials and an impressive client portfolio. We believe there is a great fit between KPMG and Xantus in terms of calibre of people and of clients, and a sense of shared values.  Together, we can bring our clients insights that genuinely help them achieve their goals.”

Watmough, who has become head of CIO Advisory at KPMG, heralded the sale as a ‘great development’ for the business and its clients.

“This deal represents a significant opportunity to accelerate the delivery of what has always been the Xantus vision – to become the leading advisor to the CIO community. Combining Xantus’ track record with KPMG’s global brand, reputation and scale offers a very powerful proposition.”