xwave acquired the Atlantic assets of Fujitsu Consulting Canada this week in a deal touted to grow its service delivery across Atlantic Canada and expand its annuity-based portfolio.
Lured in part by Fujitsu Consulting’s staff of 90 professionals, xwave sealed the deal following a “”period of discussions,”” said xwave COO Paul Kent. It’s the first company Halifax-based xwave has bought this year. The value of the deal was not disclosed.
“”While in some respects the talent is similar to what we have in xwave, in other ways it will allow us to enhance the xwave offering because it augments our talent pool as well,”” said Kent.
Specifically, Fujitsu Consulting’s senior business consultants developing IT systems and application maintenance staff will move to offices in Halifax, Fredericton and Saint John, N.B.
Strengths in these professional areas represent “”our calling card in that marketplace,”” noted Michael Long, senior vice-president of Fujitsu Consulting in Calgary. “”xwave has some skills in that area, but their calling card is stronger in infrastructure areas, in technology areas.””
“”Impressive client credentials”” in the public sector and health-care industry were also of particular interest to xwave, said Kent. He said Montreal-based Fujitsu Consulting has a significant outsourcing arrangement with the Atlantic Health Sciences Corp. and staff with health care credentials, “”which are recognized in the industry and which are always useful.””
Kent, once employed by Fujitsu Consulting Canada, said issues will no doubt crop up surrounding the “”appropriate integration of purpose and chemistry and culture and expertise”” as the two organizations merge. But no layoffs are expected.
He describes both firms as “”highly complementary,”” but acknowledges they do differ. xwave, for example, has a broader offering, seen through its more diverse product and service line, in Atlantic Canada.
xwave bills itself as a full-service business-solutions provider serving clients through systems integration, infrastructure services and fulfillment. It plans, designs, builds and operates IT solutions.
“”We have a relationship with Aliant, our parent company, which we can use which obviously they do not have the advantage to use.””
Xwave will use its increased strength in Atlantic Canada, “”the heartland of the company,”” to pursue business in Ontario, Quebec and New England, according to Kent.
Fujitsu, in contrast, wants to concentrate on all venues of growth, such as investment capital, management “”time and attention”” and sales coverage, in other parts of Canada such as major metropolitan areas in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and B.C., Long said.
Although these four provinces are not necessarily more lucrative businesses, he said, the company anticipates more “”mid- and long-term potential”” there.
Not included in the agreement are the Halifax-based Fujitsu Consulting Business Services Centre and the Fujitsu Atlantic Delivery Centre.
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