Accenture buys tech business with growing Manchester presence
Consulting giant Accenture has bought 6point6, a technology consultancy, specializing in cloud, data, and cybersecurity with a sizable presence in Manchester city centre in the Eagle Labs in Albert Square.
Founded in 2012, Accenture said 6point6 has “a proven track record of delivering large scale projects for the U.K. central government to transform digital capabilities and modernize legacy systems.”
Its 400 staff are spread across offices in London and Manchester where the business works across digital transformation, data, and cybersecurity.
The price hasn’t been disclosed but it represents an exit for “alternative investor” ICG.
“This was a classic ICG transaction; a financing-led partnership with a group of highly talented entrepreneurs and managers, leading an ambitious growth company” said Gareth Knight, Head of ICG European Mid-Market.
ICG first invested in 6point6 in 2021, and since then claims growth has significantly accelerated, with revenue having grown by 45% p.a., and headcount more than doubling to almost 400 employees. ICG says it worked alongside the founders and management to support the company’s development into new adjacent end markets, whilst ensuring the company could attract and develop the industry’s top talent to support its growth path.
6point6’s work includes the largest cloud migration in Europe, with the shift of an entire U.K. government department to a single cloud-based digital infrastructure, delivering significant time efficiency savings to a separate government agency via digital services, and the adoption of machine learning to boost productivity for a multinational energy company.
“6point6 has an impressive reputation across the U.K. public and private sectors with its powerful combination of digital transformation, data and cybersecurity expertise,” said Emma Kendrew, Accenture Technology lead in the U.K. and Ireland. “With Accenture’s breadth of consulting and technology services, it will add to our innovative team to help clients reinvent themselves with solutions that are fit for the future.”
Nefyn Jones, chief executive of 6point6, said: “Today is a proud moment for everybody at 6point6. Since inception, our goal has been to build a leading technology consulting firm where the brightest talent in the industry can make brilliant ideas happen for our clients. Today’s announcement represents the next phase of our growth story. In Accenture, we’ve found a partner that thinks, acts, and delivers in the same way that we do. I’m excited at what we can achieve together in the future.”
When the business opened in Manchester 6point6 chief of staff Janet Coulthurst said: “With many of our clients and partners located in the region, as well as access to some of the UK’s leading academic institutions, it’s an ideal location for 6point6 to develop and grow our business.”
Law firm Addleshaw Goddard’s team advised on the deal and were led by Richard Hunt, supported by Carly Gulliver, Tom Hopwood, Charlotte Martin, Nazaneen Ahmadi and Ryan Barker (Corporate), Martin Griffiths (Tax) and Mark Crane (Competition).
Richard Hunt said: “Having worked with 6point6 for a number of years, including advising the founders and management on the investment from ICG in 2021, we know that it is a fantastic business with a great reputation in both the public and private sectors, led by an exceptional management team. The company’s growth in recent years has been impressive as they have become one of the UK’s leading tech consultancy firms.
“It was a privilege that the founders and management trusted in our track record in delivering complex transactions in the sector to support them with this deal. We look forward to seeing the business thrive being part of Accenture and go on to fulfil its potential.”
