Accenture has announced that it will acquire Japanese data science company Albert after the completion of a tender offer. The acquisition will further add a large team of data scientists to Accenture to strengthen its data and AI capabilities for clients.
AI, data-led transformation
Founded in 2005 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange since 2015, Albert offers AI and big data analytics services, AI-based algorithm development, AI implementation consulting, and data science training support, primarily to major corporations in Japan.
The data science team of 250 permanent employees and contractors will join Accenture’s Applied Intelligence practice, which provides AI and data-led transformation solutions and services.
With data and AI expected to transform every part of businesses and enable new ways of working and engaging with customers, business models, and growth opportunities, the new talents will strengthen Accenture’s global ability to help its clients manage the total reinvention of their enterprises.
In addition, Accenture says the acquisition will strengthen its services in Japan and further its services in Japan that use data to digitally replicate the entire enterprise and to help Japanese companies grow and become more competitive with deep data analytics and AI expertise.
According to Atsushi Egawa, who leads Accenture’s business in Japan, companies today need a 360-degree view of their business to make better and faster decisions. This entails looking beyond the financials and includes considerations like sustainability initiatives, customer experiences, people development, and retraining.
He said, “Gaining this holistic perspective and being able to simulate every aspect of the business requires deep data science expertise and AI capabilities. Accenture and Albert team will bring these to clients to help them succeed in their total enterprise reinvention.”
“Albert’s philosophy is to connect the world with data science and co-create new value for a better future. As leading companies across industries are investing heavily in AI, we’re seeing growing demand for the technologies and skills that are the core of our business,” said Takeshi Matsumoto, Albert’s president and chief executive officer.
“By joining Accenture, which excels at addressing its clients’ most complex opportunities and issues, our team can drive even more value for clients and accelerate the implementation of AI in society.”
