Deloitte to acquire data and digital transformation specialists Etain
The acquisition will double the size of Deloitte’s AI and data solutions practice in Belfast, creating Northern Ireland’s ‘largest’ AI and data practice
Deloitte has announced an agreement to acquire the data and digital transformation specialists, Etain, growing the big four firm’s Consulting practice.
The acquisition will double the size of Deloitte’s AI and data solutions practice in Belfast, which will reportedly create Northern Ireland’s largest AI and data practice. Deloitte said this will enable the firm to devise, deliver and run data and digital transformation programmes across the UK.
The firm added that the announcement underlines its commitment to invest in the growth of technology-focused hubs across the UK. In addition to Belfast, the firm has opened hubs in Bristol, Edinburgh and Reading over the past seven years to meet the “growing” demand for digital support.
With offices in Belfast, Etain has around 70 employees, including data engineers, cloud developers and technical solution architects who deliver data and digital applications as well as bespoke software solutions.
The business has completed over 400 digital transformation projects for a wide range of organisations across both the private and public sector.
Meanwhile, Deloitte’s Belfast practice employs more than 1,000 people. While currently based across two offices in Belfast’s city centre, including the Technology Studio, Deloitte will open a new office in the linen quarter in the spring of 2023.
Anne-Marie Malley, managing partner for Consulting at Deloitte, said: “Doubling the size of Deloitte’s AI and data solutions practice in Belfast by adding Etain’s deep technical expertise will allow us to grow the scale and sophistication of the projects that we deliver. Ultimately, this will equip UK organisations with unrivalled expertise in AI and data.”
Peter Shields, director of Etain, added: “Working as part of Deloitte will allow us to grow the scale of the projects that we undertake, bolstering our team’s skills in building intricate software solutions with rich data expertise and an extensive global network.”
Danny McConnell, lead Consulting partner for Deloitte in Northern Ireland, said: “Growing our Belfast Technology Studio with the acquisition of Etain, at completion, will enhance the culture, capability and creativity of this team and ensure that we are working with the very best talent within the city’s burgeoning technology community.”
