**Berlin**: Accenture has agreed to acquire Staufen AG, a German management consultancy, to strengthen its supply chain and operational capabilities, particularly in the manufacturing sector, amidst growing pressures from supply chain disruptions and the need for digital transformation.
Accenture has made a significant move in the consulting sector by agreeing to acquire Staufen AG, a Germany-based management consulting firm renowned for its expertise in operational excellence in manufacturing and supply chain management. This acquisition aims to bolster Accenture’s capabilities, particularly in the discrete manufacturing sectors such as automotive, aerospace, defence, industrial goods, and medical equipment.
In a landscape marked by supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and variances in tariffs, manufacturers are increasingly pressured to maintain operational stability while embracing digital transformation. Staufen is recognised for its ability to enhance its clients’ entire value chains, deploying strategies that foster digital manufacturing initiatives and overall business performance improvements.
Staufen’s service portfolio encompasses solutions tailored to Industry 4.0, supply chain management, and organisational change. It employs data-driven tools and applies lean management principles to drive efficiency and sustainability, which are critical in today’s competitive environment. An example of its impact is showcased in its work with an automotive supplier, improving their shop floor management and driving agility in production and logistics.
Matthias Hégelé, Accenture’s lead for supply chain and operations in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, noted, “Manufacturers must continuously improve their entire value chains to stay competitive. The acquisition of Staufen aligns with our strategy to reinvent supply chains and manufacturing for clients.” This sentiment underscores the growing recognition of the pivotal role that robust supplier relationships play in achieving digital transformation success.
The acquisition is expected to facilitate the combination of Staufen’s operational excellence experience with Accenture’s technological capabilities, including advanced digital technologies such as AI and digital twins. Christina Raab, Accenture’s market unit lead for the same regions, commented on the current necessity for operational excellence as it relates to rising production costs and complex supply chains, particularly relevant to Germany’s robust manufacturing sector.
Wilhelm Goschy, CEO of Staufen AG, expressed optimism about joining Accenture, stating, “Joining Accenture will enable us to bring our three decades of hands-on expertise to even more clients to help them navigate complex transitions with customized digital solutions.” This suggests that the integration aims not only to enhance client service but also to prepare both firms for evolving global market challenges.
Staufen currently operates with over 200 professionals across several countries, including Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Brazil, serving a diverse clientele from mid-market firms to major global players. Following this acquisition, Staufen will augment Accenture’s capability in managing supply chain and operational practices more effectively, complementing previous acquisitions aimed at improving Accenture’s operational and digital transformation service suite.
While the terms of the deal remain undisclosed, it reflects Accenture’s ongoing strategy to bolster its supply chain and operations capabilities amidst a rapidly changing business environment. Such investments highlight the overarching trend of supply chain digitization, wherein organisations increasingly rely on technology and partnerships to enhance revenue generation and maintain competitiveness in a challenging global market.
Source: Noah Wire Services
