Accenture plans to 'consult' with mid-size firms

MUMBAI: Technology and consultancy major Accenture is looking to acquire mid-sized consultancy firms in India that are focused on productside finance, human resource and supply chain, according to a top company executive.

"At the moment, we are looking at (acquisitions) in the consulting business and particularly we are looking at smallto medium-sized specialised consulting companies," Fabio Vacira, senior managing director for products lead, Asia Pacific, at Accenture Consulting told ET.

The consulting space in India is becoming tougher with more and more players entering the fray. Accenture, which competes with both white shoe consultancies and the big four -Deloitte, EY, PwC and KPMG -on different levels, is looking to position itself as a major player in India. The firm also competes with Mc Kinsey and BCG in providing strategy and technology-based consultancy . On the other hand, it also competes with the big four in other consultancy spaces including fast growth areas like turnaround practice. In many cases, Accenture's senior executives are actively involved in operations of some Indian companies.

For instance, Accenture has been involved with Tata Motors since 2010."In India, the turnaround space is becoming like a catalyst, where everyone from McKinsey to the big four are competing. What we try to do to differentiate ourselves is the execution of the turnaround," said Vacira.

All major consultancies are now increasing their presence in the turnaround space. Even specialty turnaround experts like Alvarez & Marsal are witnessing healthy growth as demand for such services increases.

In some cases, Accenture is also helping businesses manage their operations, especially the multinationals in the country.

These operations include developing a supply chain or even developing some products or services.