Ernst & Young (EY) has acquired Silicon Roundabout-based consultancy Seren to boost its digital capabilities.
The digital design firm has been bought as part of EY’s strategy of expanding its global strategy consulting business to over 2500 professionals by 2020.
The consultancy works with leading firms in sectors including telecoms and financial services, including Vodafone, Barclays and Samsung.
Seren’s operations and its 60 employees will remain in its premises near Old Street.
Ben Langdon will continue as CEO of EY-Seren, while founders Catriona Campbell and Terry Heath will continue as senior advisors to EY and EY-Seren.
The newly acquired company will now focus on developing EY-Seren operations in the Middle East.
The acquisition, which follows the firm’s previous buys of Bedrock, Parthenon and Sweeney, comes as the Big Four accountancy firms move into acquiring companies with specific digital expertise.
Back in May, for example, KPMG acquired Beacon Partners, a healthcare consulting firm offering strategic management and clinical and information technology consulting services to healthcare providers.
Commenting on the acquisition, Steve Varley, EY‘s UK Chairman says: "This acquisition is a flagship transaction for EY in the UK.
"London, and the wider UK, is fast becoming a global leader in technology and digital innovation. The acquisition of Seren brings together EY’s world-class brand and global reach with Seren’s leading digital consulting capabilities and innovation. I’m really excited about what we can achieve together."
