Accenture expands technology consulting in Japan with Climb deal

Accenture has boosted its technology consulting capacities in Japan with the acquisition of Climb, adding around 230 staff to its local team.

Established in 1989, Climb specializes in application and infrastructure modernization services, working mainly around mission-critical systems for clients in the financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, and government sectors.

The deal will see Climb’s management team and approximately 220 IT consultants and staff join Accenture’s Technology division. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Climb is mainly active in Maebashi City, where the company was founded. According to Atsushi Egawa, who leads the Accenture business in Japan, investing in a regional player is part of the company’s strategy to ensure full coverage nationally, while giving back to communities.

“There are many talented IT consultants in regional areas of Japan who are leading digital transformation work. Providing opportunities for these individuals to shine on the global stage will help elevate their skills to new heights, while at the same time revitalizing the local economy,” he said.

“With a clear trend of people and businesses returning to the domestic market, the vibrant growth of local communities is essential for the sustainable development of Japan. Adding the Climb team demonstrates how we continue to invest in Japan. We are planting more local roots through our team’s high value work in local communities.”

In other deals in Japan, Accenture last year purchased 100-person marketing firm Signal, and earlier, commerce agency Tambourine was bolted-on. Globally, Accenture closes dozens of deals every year.