October 2024
Consultancy M&A are thrilled to announce that it has acted as M&A Advisor to UK based programme and change management consultancy Nine Feet Tall during its acquisition by France headquartered innovation and technology transformation specialist, Talan Group.
Founded in 2004, Nine Feet Tall is an award-winning consulting firm specialising in the implementation of complex changes combining human and technological expertise, particularly in the implementation of ERP and digital programmes. With 50 consultants based in London, Manchester and Bath, Nine Feet Tall has built solid partnerships with major partners such as Microsoft, Salesforce, Oracle, and others. This merger will create a new entity of nearly 400 employees in the British market and will allow the Talan group to continue strengthening its customer proximity and intervention capacity.
Talan is an international consulting group, headquartered in Paris, specialising in innovation and transformation by technology. The group focuses on tackling challenges including the energy transition and net zero, cyber threats, the rise of AI, and the governance and regulation of big data.
There are no changes to Nine Feet Tall’s team, structure or offices as part of the deal, with the firm remaining as an independent entity under the umbrella of Talan UK. The move will see Founder and CEO of Nine Feet Tall, Esther McMorris, take on an additional role on the Talan UK Committee Board.
Esther said, “I am thrilled that Nine Feet Tall is joining the Talan group. This is an important step in our history as it allows us to become a stronger organisation in delivering positive transformations for the benefit of our clients. Our two entities, perfectly aligned strategically and culturally, will bring real added value to our clients by combining our strengths. We know that any business transformation requires careful planning and effective change management to be fully adopted, and we are delight
ed to be able to strengthen this competence within Talan in the UK.”
Bruce Ramsay, Managing Partner of CM&A added, “There were clear synergies between the two businesses, and both had a strong ambition to drive digital transformation. Talan saw the strength in the Nine Feet Tall brand, their approach, and their expertise. Nine Feet Tall’s service proposition is a perfect complement to the capabilities already offered by Talan in the UK and I look forward to seeing both organisations flourish together.”
Talking about the deal, Alex Goody, Managing Director of Talan Consulting UK, said, “I’m delighted that Nine Feet Tall is joining Talan. The team brings energy and a wealth of expertise in business transformation which will accelerate our UK capabilities in programme and change management consultancy. Talan’s model is highly entrepreneurial offering synergies and growth potential, including opening exciting international opportunities in the areas we seek to make a difference.”
The transaction is subject to customary prior regulatory conditions and approvals. The completion of the transaction is expected in the last quarter of 2024.
If you wish to discuss in confidence how your business could be of interest to buyers, please get in touch by phoning +44 (0) 7860 442 715 or by emailing bruce.ramsay@consultingmanda.com