Decision Inc subsidiary merges with Australian data specialist firm

05 July 2018 Consultancy.co.za

In continuation of its international growth strategy, Johannesburg-based digital consultancy Decision Inc. has announced a merger between its Australian subsidiary ABS Systems and Sydney-based data analytics firm Satsumas. The integration of the two units is expected to be complete within eight weeks.  

Decision Inc. is a consulting firm that operates around an ‘information is power’ principle, with a firm belief that information can be generated through data, which can in turn be recorded and analysed using the latest in technological applications. The firm leverages this combination to offer clients strategic business transformation strategies. 

The firm was founded in 2013, and has demonstrated a clear intent for growth, which was recognised and subsequently endorsed through financing from the South Africa Enterprise Development Fund in 2016. Since then, the firm has not only been growing organically, but has also been on a spree of acquisitions.

In December last year, the firm acquired Pretoria-based IT consultancy Resolve Immix to bolster its capacity in the Microsoft Dynamics domain, just a month after it had appointed a new Head of Strategic Consulting in the form of Alistair Maxwell. Decision Inc.’s international expansion, however, began in August last year, when it acquired Australian business solutions firm ABM Systems (Advancing Business Management).

ABM’s specialisation lies in the field of business strategy, with services in planning, performance tracking, analytics, and financial outcomes. The firm’s solutions are enhanced through partnerships with Qlik, Adaptive Insights, proDacapo, and a number of other platforms.Decision Inc subsidiary merges with Australian data specialist firmAnother firm that ABM has been collaboratively working with in recent years is Satsuma, and Decision Inc. has now taken this arrangement to the next level, announcing a merger between the two firms.

The integration of the two firms – expected to take approximately two months – will involve the entire Satsumas team joining ABM, including the co-founder and Director of Satsumas Matthew Cunneen, who will now take over as Leader for the unit’s Data Management Practice.

Commenting on the merger, Founder & CEO of ABM Systems, Greg Clarke said, “By joining forces, we can use our respective strengths to better service clients with data, analytical, and financial management solutions in Australia. From its experienced leadership and through its highly skilled consultants, Satsuma provides us with the opportunity to expand our client base, and better service our customers through their unique user-centred approach to data management, analytics, and customer engagement through focus on delivering measurable business outcomes.”

CEO of Decision Inc. Nick Bell added, “The ability to gain strategic insights from data is a key competitive differentiator for organisations. The Decision Inc group of companies, namely Decision Inc, ABM Systems and Satsuma, are passionate about providing our clients with a platform for data analysis to assist them on their digital transformation journey.”

Meanwhile, Cunneen indicated that the smooth manner in which Decision Inc. is executing its inorganic growth is an encouraging sign for future expansion. “An important note to mention is the focus the team is placing on each brand’s client base and ensuring the highest level of customer service and communication during this transition,” he added.