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Microsoft-focused Derby consultancy firm gains ownership by ANS

Digital transformation company based in Manchester acquires Makutu, boosting workforce by 25 employees as part of plan to bolster AI capabilities and data engineering services.

Microsoft-focused Derby consultancy firm has been purchased by ANS
Microsoft-focused Derby consultancy firm has been purchased by ANS

Microsoft-focused Derby consultancy firm gains ownership by ANS

ANS, a leading digital transformation firm, has announced the acquisition of Makutu, a Derby-based consultancy specialising in Microsoft 365 technologies. This strategic move is part of ANS's ongoing growth strategy, which combines organic growth and selective mergers and acquisitions.

Makutu's expertise lies in Microsoft Fabric readiness, OneLake migration, predictive analytics, real-time IoT platforms, and Dynamics 365. The acquisition of Makutu's 25-strong team of data architects, engineers, and AI experts will undoubtedly strengthen ANS's capabilities in building enterprise-grade data platforms.

Richard Thompson, CEO at ANS, expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating that Makutu's expertise in data platforms, AI, and IoT will help accelerate ANS's mission to make Microsoft 365 accessible and impactful for all organisations. Thompson further emphasised the importance of strong data foundations for AI success, a belief shared by Makutu's CTO, Simon Blewitt.

Blewitt stated that joining ANS gives their team the scale and reach to maximise what they do best - designing and delivering data and AI solutions that transform organisations. He also expressed pride in Makutu's reputation in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem and looked forward to combining their innovation and technical depth with ANS's national presence and strong community values.

The acquisition was backed by Inflexion and Barings, reflecting the potential value that Makutu brings to ANS. Makutu's clients span local government, housing, utilities, and retail, expanding ANS's reach into these sectors.

With Makutu joining ANS, the company is in a stronger position to help organisations across the UK prepare for the future. In 2024, ANS was named Microsoft Services Partner of the Year, underscoring its commitment to delivering exceptional Microsoft 365 solutions.

It's worth noting that this acquisition is separate from NRG Therapeutics, a separate entity that has raised £50m to tackle neurodegenerative disorders.

ANS currently employs over 650 people, including more than 100 certified Microsoft 365 specialists and four Most Valuable Professionals. The acquisition of Makutu marks another significant milestone in ANS's growth journey.

In 2022, Avanade acquired the Dynamics 365 specialist Preact, which was another strategic move in the digital transformation landscape. However, the acquisition of Makutu by ANS is expected to have a more direct impact on the UK market, given ANS's national presence and strong community values.

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