Cooper Parry acquires URM Consulting

Professional services firm Cooper Parry has acquired URM Consulting Services, a cyber and information security specialist based in the UK, for an undisclosed sum.

The move is Cooper Parry’s 17th acquisition since early 2023 and the fifth since it partnered with US private equity investor Lee Equity Partners. The company said the addition of URM strengthened its aim to build what it called “the UK and Ireland’s most progressive professional services group”.

Founded more than 20 years ago, URM provides consultancy and training in information and cyber security, data protection, business continuity and risk management. It employs about 70 people and will form part of Cooper Parry’s digital business, which also covers Salesforce, NetSuite, data and analytics, and technology advisory services.

Lisa Dargan, chief executive of URM Consulting Services, said: “For 20 years, URM has built an outstanding reputation for providing high quality, tailored consultancy and training services. We now have the unique chance to lead the next generation of end-to-end assurance providers.

“Acting as the cyber security cornerstone within the CP group, we’ll be able to offer existing and future clients truly integrated assurance services across all areas of business risk and further strengthen and develop our service offering.”

Ade Cheatham, chief executive of Cooper Parry, added: “URM is a class act. Lisa and her brilliant team have built something special – with original thinking, deep relationships, and real talent. Their agility in a fast-moving space sets them apart. With digital consulting already a £20m+ business within CP, this deal adds even more firepower, depth, and client value to the group.”