Accenture has announced that it has successfully reached an agreement to acquire two firms: CyberCX, a leading cybersecurity consultancy, and The Highlands Consulting Group, known for its expertise in strategic consulting. These acquisition aims to enhance Accenture’s capabilities and broaden its service offerings in the rapidly evolving fields of cybersecurity and management consulting.
CyberCX Deal
CyberCX, established in Melbourne in 2019, is a leading cybersecurity firm serving private and public sector organizations across Australia, New Zealand, and internationally.
Accenture’s acquisition of CyberCX represents its largest cybersecurity purchase to date, significantly enhancing its capabilities in the Asia Pacific region. With a workforce of approximately 1,400 professionals, CyberCX offers comprehensive services in consulting, transformation, and managed security.
The company operates advanced security operations centers in Australia and New Zealand, with additional offices in London and New York. CyberCX also provides AI-powered platforms for cybersecurity services, including threat detection, a sovereign secure cloud, and training through the CyberCX Academy.
Renowned for its partnerships with major cybersecurity companies like Microsoft and Palo Alto Networks, CyberCX has earned recognition as a top managed service provider, supported by over 2,600 certifications.
This acquisition is part of Accenture’s strategy to expand its cybersecurity solutions, following 20 security acquisitions since 2015. The transaction’s terms remain undisclosed, and completion is subject to regulatory approvals.
The Highlands Consulting Group
Accenture has acquired The Highlands Consulting Group, a management consulting firm with expertise in healthcare, transportation, social services, and environmental solutions. This acquisition enhances Accenture’s capabilities in California, where Highlands Consulting has a strong presence and a successful track record.
Established in 2002 and based in Sacramento, CA, Highlands Consulting brings a skilled team with extensive experience in business strategy, digital planning, organizational change, and IT analysis. The integration of the two firms will provide clients with a broader range of services and access to a deeper talent pool.
Highlands Consulting’s knowledge in areas such as Health & Human Services and organizational change will help Accenture support its clients’ long-term growth plans. This acquisition aligns with Accenture’s strategic goals to enhance its service offerings in key sectors and deliver immediate value.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
KEY QUOTES (CyberCX Deal):
“CyberCX and Accenture share a mission to harness the power of cyber to help our clients securely navigate change, accelerate business reinvention and build resilience against evolving threats. By combining Accenture’s agentic AI capabilities with CyberCX’s strong market leadership, innovative offerings and trusted C-suite and government relationships, we will enable clients across Asia Pacific to transform cybersecurity into a strategic advantage.”
Paolo Dal Cin, global lead, Accenture Cybersecurity
“Client demand for cybersecurity services is accelerating as data and digital environments become increasingly connected and heightened threats are exposed across operational value chains, supply chains and the enterprise. The need for responsible governance is also rising as AI and Quantum technologies advance. CyberCX’s breadth of capabilities, trusted relationships with government and critical infrastructure organizations, and exceptional talent in the region, combined with Accenture’s local and global scale and innovation, will help us meet this ever-increasing client need.”
Peter Burns, who leads Accenture’s business in Australia and New Zealand
“We are immensely proud of the business we have built, becoming one of the leading providers of cybersecurity services in the region. Joining Accenture’s global cybersecurity organization enables our exceptional people to combine forces with global capabilities and provide world-leading cybersecurity services to an even greater number of clients across Asia Pacific as we accelerate our growth in the region. Our shared mission for helping clients stay ahead of emerging threats and build resilience makes this a force multiplier.”
John Paitaridis, CEO of CyberCX
KEY QUOTES (Highlands Deal):
“Highlands Consulting’s strong relationships and credentials with state agencies will help us better serve our clients and unlock new opportunities for reinvention that drives growth and innovation. We are confident that this acquisition will deliver greater outcomes for our clients in the State of California and beyond.”
Ryan Oakes, global Health & Public Services industry practices chair at Accenture
“This deal is a natural fit for both organizations. We are joining forces to deliver even more value to our clients. Accenture’s scale and resources will enable us to expand our services and capabilities, while our local expertise and long-standing client relationships will provide a solid foundation for Accenture’s growth in the State of California.”
Mike Cappelluti, President of Highlands Consulting
