Akkodis acquires Barhead Solutions to strengthen Microsoft technology consultancy and digital transformation services

Akkodis, a global leader in digital engineering and Smart Industry solutions, has expanded its presence in Microsoft technology consultancy with the acquisition of Barhead Solutions, a highly regarded business applications partner. This strategic move enhances Akkodis’ capabilities in digital transformation services, particularly in cloud computing, AI-driven automation, and enterprise solutions.

The acquisition significantly strengthens Akkodis’ position in Australia, allowing the company to offer an expanded range of Microsoft-based services to industries such as finance, healthcare, and government. Barhead Solutions, recognized for its expertise in Microsoft business applications, will now operate under the Akkodis umbrella, delivering advanced consulting and digital solutions that help organizations modernize operations and drive business innovation.

What Does This Acquisition Mean for Digital Transformation Services?

As businesses continue prioritizing digital transformation services, Akkodis’ acquisition of Barhead Solutions positions the company as a key player in Microsoft-powered enterprise solutions. Barhead Solutions specializes in CRM, ERP, and low-code platforms, all of which are essential for companies seeking to automate processes, improve decision-making, and enhance customer engagement.

The deal enables Akkodis to expand its expertise in Microsoft Dynamics 365, providing businesses with integrated AI-driven automation and data solutions. It also bolsters the company’s consulting and implementation capabilities in Power Platform, allowing enterprises to build scalable applications with minimal coding. The acquisition further strengthens Akkodis’ ability to offer cloud and infrastructure modernization services, supporting businesses in transitioning to secure, agile, and cost-effective IT environments. Additionally, the integration of Barhead’s data and analytics solutions will allow companies to leverage AI and machine learning for improved business intelligence and operational efficiency.

Why Did Akkodis Choose Barhead Solutions?

Akkodis has been strategically expanding its Microsoft technology consultancy expertise to meet the growing demand for business applications partners that deliver end-to-end digital transformation services. Barhead Solutions, as a well-established Microsoft Business Applications partner, brings deep industry knowledge and a strong reputation for delivering enterprise-grade solutions.

Peter Hawkins, Managing Director & SVP of Akkodis Australia, emphasized that integrating Barhead into Akkodis will create an unmatched Microsoft consulting powerhouse. He noted that the acquisition reinforces Akkodis’ commitment to delivering innovative and scalable solutions to businesses nationwide.

John Orrock, Co-founder & Head of Capability at Barhead Solutions, highlighted the opportunity to expand the company’s reach through Akkodis’ global presence. He stated that the partnership offers enterprises a modern consulting firm specializing in Microsoft business applications, AI, and data solutions. He further pointed out that as digital transformation accelerates, it was essential for Barhead to enhance its capabilities through a strategic partnership, with Akkodis being the ideal firm to amplify its Microsoft expertise and drive greater impact.

Ken Struthers, CEO & Co-founder of Barhead, echoed these sentiments, explaining that joining Akkodis allows Barhead to scale its innovation and broaden the outcomes it can deliver for clients, all while maintaining its commitment to personalized customer service and technology-driven problem-solving.

How Does This Acquisition Align with Akkodis’ Broader Growth Strategy?

The acquisition of Barhead Solutions aligns with Akkodis’ aggressive expansion strategy, which focuses on digital transformation services across multiple industries. This deal follows Akkodis’ recent acquisition of Raland Compliance Partners, a US-based regulatory and quality compliance consulting firm specializing in life sciences technology solutions.

By acquiring Barhead Solutions, Akkodis strengthens its standing as a premier Microsoft technology consultancy, capable of delivering advanced enterprise solutions across industries. The company’s recent acquisitions indicate a broader plan to expand its consulting and business applications partner capabilities to serve enterprises operating in highly regulated and technology-driven sectors.

Akkodis has been actively growing its expertise in Smart Industry transformation, offering businesses AI, automation, and IoT-driven optimization solutions. It has also been increasing its presence in life sciences consulting by providing regulatory compliance and digital transformation services to biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device companies. Additionally, the company continues to expand its cloud and infrastructure modernization capabilities, helping organizations transition to more efficient, secure, and scalable cloud-based IT architectures.

What Is the Cultural Fit Between Akkodis and Barhead Solutions?

Beyond technological synergies, Akkodis and Barhead Solutions share a strong cultural alignment in their commitment to Tech for Social Impact. Both organizations have been recognized for their efforts in community-driven initiatives and digital inclusion.

Akkodis was honored with the ‘Inclusion Changemaker’ award in the Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards 2022, a recognition of its work in fostering diversity and inclusion within the technology sector. Barhead Solutions received Microsoft’s ‘Community Response’ award in both 2020 and 2022, acknowledging its role in supporting businesses and communities through digital solutions.

This cultural alignment reinforces the long-term potential of the partnership, ensuring that both companies remain dedicated to leveraging business applications partner expertise to drive not only commercial success but also broader societal impact.

What’s Next for Akkodis and Barhead Solutions?

With Barhead Solutions now integrated into Akkodis’ global ecosystem, businesses can expect an expanded suite of digital transformation services designed to drive operational efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and accelerate innovation. Akkodis plans to leverage Barhead’s Microsoft expertise to expand its service offerings across key industries, with a strong emphasis on cloud computing, AI-driven automation, and enterprise modernization.

As enterprises continue to adopt digital-first strategies, Akkodis’ strengthened position in Microsoft technology consultancy will enable it to support businesses in their transformation efforts, helping them harness the full potential of Microsoft’s business applications. This acquisition reinforces Akkodis’ reputation as a leader in digital engineering, providing organizations with cutting-edge solutions tailored to their evolving needs.

The Akkodis-Barhead partnership is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of digital transformation, delivering high-value solutions that enable businesses to navigate the rapidly evolving technology landscape with confidence.