Accenture to expand capital projects business with Soben deal amid rising data center demand

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has announced its agreement to acquire Soben, a global construction consultancy headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland. This acquisition is expected to significantly enhance Accenture’s capital projects expertise, expanding its capabilities in data center development, pharmaceutical infrastructure, and energy sector projects. By integrating Soben’s advisory and project cost consulting services, Accenture aims to strengthen its infrastructure management offerings for clients undertaking large-scale capital projects worldwide.

Why Is Accenture Acquiring Soben?

The acquisition aligns with Accenture’s broader strategy of expanding its capital project solutions portfolio. Soben has established itself as a leading consultancy for hyperscalers and co-location providers engaged in data center construction. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including project management consultancy, scheduling, project controls, cost and commercial management, and carbon cost assessment.

With a team of 250 professionals, Soben operates across multiple key markets, including the UK, Germany, Scandinavia, and the Netherlands, as well as the US, Mexico, Brazil, India, and Australia. Following the completion of the transaction, Soben’s team will be integrated into Accenture’s infrastructure and capital projects practice within Industry X, further expanding its footprint in this sector.

How Will Soben Enhance Accenture’s Capital Projects Capabilities?

Organizations undertaking large-scale capital projects face increasingly complex challenges. Recent research from Accenture reveals that only 6% of surveyed firms deliver projects on or ahead of schedule, while nearly two-thirds experience significant delays. These setbacks contribute to a 29% average increase in labor costs and penalty fees, making capital project management more critical than ever.

The data center sector, in particular, is grappling with supply chain disruptions, workforce shortages, and rising costs. With demand for cloud computing and AI accelerating, data center construction is projected to exceed $200 billion annually across the US, Europe, and the Middle East over the next five years. By integrating Soben’s expertise, Accenture aims to support clients in data center planning, construction, and modernization, helping them navigate the industry’s evolving demands.

What Are Industry Leaders Saying About This Acquisition?

Industry experts emphasize that the growing demand for data center development requires advanced project management solutions. A senior managing director at Accenture Industry X noted that the capital projects sector is expanding rapidly, particularly due to increasing reliance on AI and cloud services. He highlighted that hyperscalers and co-location companies face mounting pressure to deliver projects efficiently and cost-effectively, making this acquisition a strategic move to enhance Accenture’s capabilities in data-driven project management.

The integration of Soben’s expertise will also strengthen Accenture’s capital project consulting practice in the UK, positioning the company to support a wave of infrastructure growth. Accenture’s UK leadership emphasized that with the construction sector evolving rapidly, the adoption of innovative technologies and AI-driven project management will be essential for staying competitive.

From Soben’s perspective, this acquisition represents an opportunity to scale its operations and expand its service offerings. The company’s leadership stated that since its founding in 2011, Soben has sought to disrupt the construction consultancy sector. By joining Accenture, it aims to accelerate growth, leverage Accenture’s global reach, and bring advanced digital capabilities to its clients engaged in capital-intensive projects.

How Does This Acquisition Fit Into Accenture’s Growth Strategy?

Accenture has been steadily expanding its capital projects consulting capabilities through a series of strategic acquisitions. In 2023, it strengthened its presence in North America with the acquisition of Anser Advisory, a US-based capital project advisory firm, and Comtech, a Canadian consulting and program management company.

In 2024, Accenture continued its expansion in Europe, acquiring BOSLAN, a Spain-based firm specializing in net-zero infrastructure, and IQT Group, an engineering-managed services provider in Italy focused on large-scale infrastructure projects. The addition of Soben further reinforces Accenture’s position as a leader in infrastructure consulting, particularly in data center development.

With Soben’s expertise in project cost consulting and Accenture’s advanced digital project management capabilities, this acquisition is set to enhance support for businesses navigating the increasingly complex landscape of capital project execution.

What’s Next for Accenture and Soben?

The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Financial terms have not been disclosed. Once finalized, Soben’s integration into Accenture’s capital projects division is expected to drive innovation in data center infrastructure, pharmaceutical construction, and energy sector projects, offering clients enhanced efficiency and cost optimization.

By acquiring Soben, Accenture is positioning itself at the forefront of capital project solutions, reinforcing its ability to support businesses managing large-scale infrastructure developments in an era of rapid technological and industrial transformation.