Aussie consultants Third Horizon acquired

Australian consulting firm Third Horizon has been acquired by global digital transformation specialist Publicis Sapient.

Founded in 2004, Third Horizon’s services include technology enablement, culture & change management and program delivery. Its customers include the New South Wales and Victorian state governments, Lendlease, Powerco New Zealand, Ausgrid and the Australian Federal Government.

Publicis said the acquisition will make its digital transformation capabilities available to all its customers globally, particularly when it comes to strategy and consulting expertise.

Third Horizon in turn will be able to scale at a much faster rate with Publicis’ 20,000 staff across 53 offices.

Terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

“Third Horizon was established on the relentless focus of helping our clients deliver results,” said Third Horizon managing director Neville Bagot.

“With the increasing interconnection of customer, digital and operating models, Publicis Sapient emerged as the obvious partner to enhance the breadth of our capabilities, and deliver value to our clients.  We couldn’t be more excited.”

Publicis’ managing director for Australia Sarah Adam-Gedge said she was particularly looking forward to working with Third Horizon’s principals Neville Bagot, Robert Kelly and Steven Metzmacher.

“Publicis Sapient’s acquisition of a management consulting firm like Third Horizon aligns with our global strategy, and will further accelerate the growth we are experiencing in Australia and internationally," she said.

“The depth of industry experience from Third Horizon, combined with Publicis Sapient’s deep experience in digital business transformation through the eyes of the customer is an extremely exciting proposition for clients.”

The acquisition closed on 28 February.

Publicis was acknowledged by Microsoft Australia last year as part of the vendor’s AI for Accessibility Challenge for its proposal to help support people with multiple sclerosis with an AI-infused solution that helps them manage their symptoms by controlling temperature using a wearable device.