Global consulting giant Accenture has expanded its local presence by purchasing Perth-based ATI Solutions Group, which works closely with the state’s largest mining companies.
ATI has about 60 employees and contractors, who will join Accenture’s digital engineering and manufacturing service, Industry X.
The ATI team will add to about 350 staff Accenture already employed in WA.
Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed but Business News understands it was worth about $20 million.
ATI was established in 2010 by Matt Andrews and Tim Ashenden, who previously had experience with major mining companies.
“By joining Accenture, we will bring new value and scale to our clients and provide new opportunities to our people to grow their careers,” Mr Andrews said.
ATI has focused on the mining, energy and rail industries with the firm often taking a lead role on major projects for their clients.
Mr Andrews, for instance, was the lead technology architect for the implementation of BHP’s remote operations centre in Perth in 2011.
As well as BHP, the firm’s clients include Rio Tinto, FMG, Xstrata, Thiess, South32, Vale and Aurizon, according to its web site.
Accenture said ATI will enhance its capabilities in Western Australia, where specialised digital and industrial talent is in high demand.
It said ATI helps clients automate and remotely run mines and rail networks, set up smart maintenance workflows, analyse data from the field, and optimise their operations.
ATI also focuses on implementing operational technology (OT) and connecting OT to enterprise IT systems.
Accenture’s Industry X lead for Australia and NZ Steven Walsh said digital technology and automation were a pivotal part of how asset-intensive companies drive value in their operations.
“ATI’s long-standing expertise strengthens our capability to support our clients in these critical areas,” he said.
The ATI purchase comes two years after Accenture acquired Perth-based OT service provider Electro 80 for about $30 million.
ATI was advised by Chris Page of boutique Perth firm Page Advisory.
