Accenture bolsters procurement technology with Shelby Group acquisition

Accenture (NYSE: ACN), a global professional services company, has announced the strategic acquisition of The Shelby Group, a prominent player specializing in digital procurement and optimization services. While the financial details remain undisclosed, this move marks a significant step in bolstering Accenture‘s capabilities within the sourcing and procurement technology transformation landscape.

The Shelby Group, founded in 2002 and headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, brings to the table its rich expertise in procurement technology consultancy, particularly in Coupa and Ivalua solutions. Serving clients across diverse sectors such as manufacturing, financial services, consumer, healthcare, and technology, The Shelby Group has carved a niche in enhancing procurement operations. This is achieved through increased spend visibility, task automation, and a reduction in costs and risks.

Accenture’s Connected Solutions group within Accenture Technology will be strengthened by the addition of The Shelby Group’s 172 sales and delivery professionals. This integration reinforces Accenture’s status as a Coupa Global Elite partner and is set to expand its Ivalua solution offerings.

Emma McGuigan, senior managing director and Enterprise & Industry Technologies lead at Accenture, highlighted the transaction’s alignment with market demands, stating, “In an environment characterized by ongoing disruption, businesses are looking to deliver sustainable savings, reduce risk and support business growth. The depth of The Shelby Group’s digital procurement experience helps us meet growing client demand for sourcing and procurement transformation.”

From The Shelby Group’s perspective, Jim Kandilas, CEO and co-founder, reflected on their longstanding mission and future prospects, saying, “For more than 20 years, we have helped our clients reimagine the strategic value of their procurement function. As part of Accenture, we will further scale our solutions and accelerate innovation, providing exciting new opportunities for our people and our valued clients.”

The acquisition of The Shelby Group is part of a series of strategic moves by Accenture to enhance its supply chain, sourcing, and procurement transformation services. Previous acquisitions include Xoomworks Group, ClearEdge Partners, MacGregor Partners, and Blue Horseshoe, all of which have added substantial value to Accenture’s supply chain and procurement portfolio.