Object Consulting to boost DWS government push

Melbourne-based IT outsourcer DWS expects its government business to grow through its recent acquisition of Object Consulting.

DWS acquired Object in October 2019 for $4.3 million, after Object fell into voluntary administration the previous month.

The deal fell outside DWS' financial year, but was nonetheless mentioned at the company’s annual general meeting. As noted in the ASX update (pdf) recording the meeting, DWS managing director Danny Wallis said the company is “increasing its exposure” to government clients as market trends are showing a slowdown in demand in the financial and IT and communications (IT&C) sectors.

“As evidenced by our recent acquisition of the business and assets of Object Consulting, DWS is continuing to look for earnings accretive acquisitions for existing or new service offerings whilst at all times considering the latest trends in the IT industry and the business priorities of our clients,” Wallis said.

Wallis added that DWS will also be pursuing more acquisitions to either continue growing the government business, or diversify its offerings further.

A long-time Microsoft partner, Object offers software development, IT project delivery and system integration services to state government departments.

“The acquisition of the business and assets of Object Consulting is consistent with DWS’s strategy of diversifying earnings and increases our exposure to state governments,” Wallis said.

Looking ahead, DWS plans to increase its digital capabilities while also maintaining its traditional IT services footprint.

“We look to maintain and grow our traditional core services and grow our digital service offering to ensure we are supporting our clients as they undertake more and more digital transformation projects,” Wallis told the meeting.